Sir Robert Francis published his report Freedom to Speak Up, in February 2015.

In response to his recommendations, to review primary care separately, NHS England consulted on a whistleblowing policy specifically for colleagues in general practice, opticians, community pharmacies and dental practices.

Final guidance has now been published. It sets out; who can raise a concern, the process for raising a concern, how the concern will be investigated and what will be done with the findings of the investigation.

On 1 April this year, NHS England became a ‘prescribed person’, allowing primary care staff can raise concerns about patient safety or inappropriate behaviour directly.

A policy governing all other NHS organisations and service providers was also published earlier this year.

November 2016