Free whistleblowing helpline

The resource was launched on 1 January and is available to NHS and social care staff.

It is the first time that staff and employers in the social care sector have had access to such a helpline.  

It is being funded by the government, as part of its drive to tackle poor practice.

The launch comes following the news that a contractual duty to raise concerns will be enshrined in the new NHS constitution.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said: ‘Staff on the frontline know when patient services need to improve.

‘That's why staff who blow the whistle are crucial in helping to raise standards, and we’re determined to support them.

 
‘Making it easier for staff to challenge the institutional power of organisations is a key factor in preventing, identifying and tackling pockets of culturally poor practice.

‘That’s why we’ve created a helpline service for concerned staff, which is completely free and available to those in the NHS and social care sector.


‘This will play an important role in creating a culture where staff will be able to raise genuine concerns in good faith, without fear of reprisal.’

A similar web-based whistleblowing service is also currently under development.

There is not yet a launch date for the web service, but further details are due to be announced over the coming months.

The new helpline number is 08000 724 725 and operates weekdays between 8am and 6pm.

An out-of-hours answering service is available on weekends and public holidays.