The Department of Health has launched two separate consultations on whistleblowing and violence in the workplace.

Both will seek views on how to better protect healthcare workers and ensure they have a safe environment to operate in.

Health Minister Robin Swann hopes to identify ways to help staff feel safe and confident when carrying out their duties and raising concerns when necessary.

“The capability for anyone to raise a concern with HSC bodies in the interests of the public is an intrinsic means of ensuring services continuously improve and that patient safety is assured,” he said.

“It is crucial that we create an environment for individuals, be they staff or service users, to raise concerns which fall under the public interest and feel confident that they are safe to come forward and report these using the appropriate channels.”

The department is working with trade unions to develop a draft regional policy in relation to whistleblowing – defined as anyone raising a concern in the public interest.

It is in response to recommendations made following a review carried out by RQIA.

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“Work has now completed and it could not be more timely given the recent publication of the report from the Independent Neurology Inquiry,” Mr Swann added.

“That report includes recommendations in relation to ensuring accountability...

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