NHS Highland announces confidential support to 'speak up'
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
As from next week, independent, confidential support will be available for all NHS Highland colleagues who wish to raise concerns.
NHS Highland’s independent ‘Speak Up’, Guardian Service goes live on Monday (August 3) offering a 24/7 service which will provide colleagues with an opportunity to discuss their concerns relating to patient care and safety, whistleblowing, bullying and harassment and work grievances.
The Guardian Service Limited has appointed Derek McIlroy and Julie McAndrew to be the two full time independent dedicated Guardians for NHS Highland.
Fiona Hogg, NHS Highland’s director of human resources and organisational development, said: “If you have tried to speak up or don’t feel you can raise your concerns through our internal routes the ‘Speak Up’ Guardian Service will provide an additional channel for colleagues to discuss concerns in confidence.
“We’re delighted to see the launch of this service. It highlights the NHS Highland Board’s ongoing commitment to deliver the recommendations of last year’s Sturrock report, which recommended that colleagues had access to an independent and confidential route to raise concerns, in addition to the existing internal processes.
"If you have tried to voice concerns, but don’t feel you can talk to a manager or other colleague, the Guardian Service can help you find a resolution.”
She added: “This is another key milestone for NHS Highland, to ensure that the systems and processes are in place to make sure people can be heard. We recognise that there is a lot more work to be done on our culture programme and the Board is committed to the long term transformation plans that are in place.”
The ‘Speak Up’, Guardian Service can be accessed by NHS Highland colleagues 24/7 via 0333 577 5955 or contact@theguardianservice.co.uk.
