GMC report rise in whistleblowing concerns

The General Medical Council (GMC) has reported a rise in the number of whistleblowing concerns in the last year.

(c) Hush Naidoo Jade Photography/Unsplash

(c) Hush Naidoo Jade Photography/Unsplash

In its annual report, which is published with other eight other organisations, the GMC revealed 60 concerns were raised by whistleblowers between April 2023 and March 2024, up from 48 in the previous year.

Anna Rowland, GMC assistant director for policy and business transformation, said: ‘We understand that raising issues about healthcare professionals can be a difficult thing to do. Our support to whistleblowers includes a confidential telephone helpline staffed by trained advisors, and we also provide training and guidance for doctors on raising and acting on concerns.'

Concerns raised included a variety of alleged issues, including staff structures, professional misconduct and individual dishonesty.

Of the 60 concerns raised, 23 were by doctors, 14 by other healthcare professionals and 23 were anonymous.

All but one of the 60 were reviewed by the GMC's fitness to practise team. Of those 49 were closed after an initial assessment and 10 resulted in either a preliminary or full investigation, of which half have been closed and half are still going through the investigation process.

Action needed to prevent maternity services harm becoming 'normalised'

Action needed to prevent maternity services harm becoming 'normalised'

By Lee Peart 19 September 2024

The CQC has called for action to avoid poor care and preventable harm in maternity services becoming ‘normalised’.

NHS whistleblowers say they are being targeted for standing up for patients

By Lee Peart 17 September 2024

Over 50 doctors and nurses have said they are being targeted by NHS managers for trying to protect patients' lives.

Darzi investigation finds NHS in 'critical condition'

By Lee Peart 12 September 2024

A Government commissioned investigation by Lord Darzi has found the NHS is in a ‘critical condition’.


Popular articles by Lee Peart