Social Care News

Nurses warn 'culture of fear' deters whistle-blowers

At its annual conference in Liverpool the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned that a "culture of fear and intimidation" is stopping its members speaking out about poor care in some workplaces.

The RCN surveyed more than 8,000 of its members in the poll and almost half (44%) revealed they would think twice about whistle-blowing because of worries about victimisation or reprisals.

The union said this showed a "culture of fear" in workplaces was stopping nurses speak out about concerns over patient safety and care.

Nurses who took part in the survey also said that they had been bullied or be-litttled when they raised issues.

• Read how the BBC covered this story
• Read the RCN's survey story 'staff must feel confident to raise concerns'

Welsh nurses raise concerns but fear reprisals

Of the Welsh nurses who took part in the RCN survey on whistle-blowing:

• 65% said they'd had to raise concerns about patient safety with their employer.
• 44% said worries about reprisals or victimisation would make them think twice about reporting concerns
• 34% said they would be confident about whistle-blowing
• 54% who complained cited concerns about staffing levels
• 18% of concerns raised were about patient safety

Read more on this story at WalesOnline