CQC chief promises to keep identity of whistleblowers secret

CQC chief executive, David Behan, has confirmed he will protect the identity of whistleblowers in the NHS.

At a keynote address at the Hospital Directions 2013 conference, Care Quality Commission chief executive, David Behan, confirmed he would protect whistleblowers in the NHS.

The issue came up during his speech in which he was confronted by a member of the audience about how the CQC plans to protect whistle blowers.

The audience member mentioned several cases of whistleblowers being discriminated against and unable to find jobs again in the NHS.

Mr Behan was then challenged about which body will protect those who come forward with vital information about patient safety in hospitals.

Mr Behan responded by saying: “It is absolutely and unambiguously clear that we have to protect the identity of whistleblowers…..We are currently reviewing our approach to whistleblowers and complainants. The first of those meetings took place this week.”

During the debate, Mr Behan admitted that he knew of one case where the CQC disclosed a whistleblower’s identity. Mr Behan reassured the audience that he personally took formal action.

Mr Behan was vocal about encouraging NHS employees to come forward with information that affects patient safety.

“I have never had a job where there is so much transparency and scrutiny…but that’s a good thing,” he said.

If you would like to have your say in our debate on anonymous whistleblowers go to www.carehome.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/31/should-local-authorities-ignore-anonymous-whistleblowers