NHS whistleblowing champion quits over ‘serious concerns’

NHS Tayside’s whistleblowing champion has quit, claiming serious issues were being ignored.

Munwar Hussain has stood down from NHS Tayside board and written to the First Minister and Health Secretary Jeane Freeman to raise his concerns.

He had been appointed the board’s whistleblowing champion in April. The role was meant to ensure staff concerns were treated seriously.

Mr Hussain told The Sunday Post: “Certain matters were escalated to me that were serious and cause for concern. I feel that I have not been given the appropriate assurances that these important matters are being dealt with.”

NHS Tayside confirmed Mr Hussain has resigned with effect from October 17, adding: “We can confirm that Mr Hussain raised concerns relating to one particular case and this is currently under investigation.”

He is one of three resignations from the board, also including vice-chairman Stephen Hay and Doug Cross, chairman of the finance and resources committee.

They have stood down after both the chief executive and chairman left their posts after it emerged NHS Tayside had taken charitable donations to pay for an IT system.

The departures come as two reports into the financial scandals at NHS Tayside are expected to be published in the coming weeks.