In your workplace: employment advice

Q:I am a district nurse working for a Foundation Trust and have noted incidences of poor patient care; should I report these and how?

A: I congratulate this nurse for asking this question. It is difficult for any of us in the health service to speak up when we feel it will be seen as disloyal to colleagues or we are afraid we might be victimised for doing it. We must never forget, however, patient care is our key purpose.

I cannot underestimate the importance of individual staff seeking out their organisation's 'whistleblowing' policy and ensuring they understand how to raise concerns in a safe way and be assured they are protected.