MSPS call for more ‘transparent’ NHS culture

Significant changes need to be made to ensure NHS staff feel able to voice their concerns, a Holyrood committee has found.

The health committee called for a more “open and transparent” culture after its inquiry into the subject found that more than a third of health service staff feel unwilling to speak up.

The Scottish Government has created the post of Independent National Whistleblowing Officer, aimed at making it easier for those with concerns to bring them forward.

However, the committee said there are still further steps which need to be taken to improve the system.

It has recommended the government supports the introduction of an external investigative phone line alongside the existing confidential advice line, and reviews how NHS managers are currently regulated and how that differs from health professionals, potentially creating an imbalance.

The committee also provided recommendations on transparency in corporate governance, calling for NHS boards to become more open and honest about pressures and challenges they face.

The report follows the publication last week of an independent investigation into NHS Lothian which uncovered a culture of “bullying and harassment” at the health board.