“Whistleblowers”
in the Health Service to be Protected
The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney has announced that health staff who report concerns about other members of staff regarding patient safety will now be legally protected. This legal protection is provided under the Protective Disclosures provisions of the Health Act 2007. It is a bid to encourage a culture of openness and accountability in the health service, removing the social stigma of reporting a fellow colleague. It is hoped that this new law will help to prevent medical errors and improve the quality of care.
