Extra whistleblowing protection for Scottish trainees

  • Date: 08 March 2018

EXTRA legal protections have been introduced by NHS Scotland for junior doctors and other postgraduate trainees treated unfairly for whistleblowing.

The new provisions give postgraduate trainees legal protection if they are subjected to detrimental treatment by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) for raising any concerns. This is in addition to existing protections they have in whistleblowing law if they are unfairly treated by a Health Board as a result.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: "It is crucial that people at all stages of their careers feel able to raise their concerns without fear of punishment or retribution. That is why we took steps to introduce new legally binding protections for doctors in training and other postgraduate trainees who whistleblow in Scotland.

"This builds on a range of measures already in place across NHS Scotland, including the whistleblowing alert and advice service. We are also working to have the new role of Independent National Whistleblowing Officer in place as soon as possible. We anticipate this will be by the end this year.

"All of this is contributing to an increasingly honest and open reporting culture within our NHS."

This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

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