§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many whistleblowers have been suspended from work within the NHS as a result of allegations and complaints in the last 12 months: [127482]
(2) how many staff within the NHS have been suspended from work as a result of allegations by whistleblowers in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [127483]
§ Mr. HuttonInformation on the number of suspensions of staff working in the national health service, specifically relating to whistleblowing is not colleted centrally, but may be held at a local level by NHS employers.
The Government expect a climate of openness and dialogue in the NHS that encourages staff to feel able to raise concerns about health care matters sensibly and responsibly without fear of victimisation.
The Department of Health will shortly be issuing new guidance to all NHS employing organisations to support them in developing and/or reviewing their
244W
Chair Non-executive Total Party Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage 2001–02 Conservative 11 6.96 40 4.42 51 4.79 Independent — — 7 0.81 7 0.66 Labour 31 19.62 212 23.40 243 22.84 Liberal Democrat 7 4.43 38 4.19 45 4.23 None 109 68.99 603 66.56 712 66.92 Other — — 6 0.69 6 0.59 2002–03 Conservative 9 4.92 63 5.87 72 5.73 Independent — — 16 1.58 16 1.35 Labour 43 23.50 125 11.64 168 13.37 Liberal Democrat 3 1.64 25 2.33 28 2.23 None 127 69.40 842 78.40 969 77.09 Other 1 0.57 3 0.30 4 0.34 whistleblowing policies and procedures. A copy of the policy pack, which has been produced in partnership with Public Concern at Work, will be placed in the Library.