Whistling in the wind?

Article Abstract:

Whistle-blowing in the National Health Service (NHS) has taken a step forward with recent developments, but still carries risks. The Dept of Health's guidelines on NHS freedom of speech state that staff have a duty to question standards of care. However, they also say that such matters should only be dealt with by local management. Unauthorised disclosures about a patient will lead to disciplinary action, even when staff are acting to serve the patient's interests. Whistle-blower Graham Pink has won his case over unfair dismissal by Stockport Health Authority, but has not got his job back, and has not managed to improve staffing on his former wards.

Social aspects, Discipline, Freedom of speech, Social policy, United Kingdom. National Health Service, Whistle blowing, Whistleblowing

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Back to life

Article Abstract:

The Disability Discrimination Act, whose employment clauses come into force at the end of 1996, offers hope to the 4,000 or so nurses who are forced to retire from the profession each year after suffering back injuries. The Act forces employers to make 'reasonable' adjustments to retain an employee who has become disabled during work. Many of the nurses who are medically retired feel that they could still make a valuable contribution if they were redeployed. The NHS Executive has written to trusts pointing out various steps that can be taken to enable staff with disabilities to be retained.

Injuries, Laws, regulations and rules, Work-related injuries, Work related injuries

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Good intentions

Article Abstract:

The newly-elected United Kingdom Central Council of 1993 fails to reflect geographical distribution of nurses and represent nursing specialities. Only 20% of health workers voted as many regard the UKCC irrelevant. However, revised procedures should increase its professional relevance. Powers for co-opting committee members should provide for speciality or minority interests. Powers of caution and suspension should increase the effectiveness of the Council. Increased representation of practitioners should improve responsiveness.

Evaluation, Trade and professional associations, Professional associations, Trade associations, Nursing and Midwifery Council

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