The NMC has started work to improve its advice and information on whistle-blowing for nurses and midwives.
Representatives from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), UNISON, Unite/CPHVA and Public Concern at Work, met with the NMC to discuss how anxieties about future career prospects, upsetting workmates and management and breaching their Code of professional conduct, can sometimes discourage nurses and midwives from reporting concerns.
Clearer signposts to existing advice and information on whistle-blowing were strongly recommended along with the need to raise awareness amongst nurses, midwives and their employers about existing safeguards for whistleblowers and the responsibilities of employers contained within the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
