Freeman tells NHS staff ‘come to me’

Scotland’s health secretary has told NHS whistleblowing champions to come straight to her if they are not being listened to by their health boards.

Jeane Freeman said she would appoint the posts for each NHS board amid concerns over bullying at some boards and a whistleblower resignation.

Speaking at the SNP conference in Glasgow yesterday, she urged NHS staff who feel bullied or harassed to come forward. 0 Jeane Freeman told workers to come forward on bullying

Ms Freeman said: “Scotland’s NHS can only flourish when everyone who works in it feels confident they can raise their voice. That they will be free to speak and they will be heard. If there are shortcomings, our frontline staff are the first to see or hear them.

“So let me be clear. If there is anyone in our health service who is feeling bullied or harassed I take that very seriously and I want you to come forward. But speaking up about bullying or intimidation can be hard to do.

“You worry that you might be ignored or your concerns dismissed. You worry there might be repercussions on you.”

Ms Freeman said steps had been put in place to support staff, but pledged to go further and said she would set out plans in coming weeks.