More legal protection for whistleblowing

Junior doctors and other postgraduate trainees in Scotland will get extra legal protection if they are unfairly treated by their training body as a result of whistle-blowing.

The new provisions give them rights if they are targeted by NHS Education for Scotland (NES).

This is in addition to existing protections in whistle-blowing law if they are unfairly treated by a health board.

Shona Robison, MSP, health secretary, said: “It is crucial that people at all stages of their careers feel able to raise their concerns without fear of punishment or retribution.”

Dr Adam Collins, chair of BMA Scotland’s junior doctors committee, said the move was vital for junior doctors, whose careers are uniquely under the dual influence of both NES and their health board.