NHS staff granted ‘safe space’ powers to speak out about mistakes | Consensus HR – Herts, Beds
NHS staff will be able to speak out about mistakes without fear of reprisal for the first time, thanks to the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB). The HSSIB has been granted “safe space” powers, meaning that any testimony or evidence given to it will not be handed over to another agency unless the High Court rules that it must. The body aims to help staff feel safe in speaking honestly about mistakes and understanding how to prevent them. The HSSIB can enter and inspect hospitals, seize documents and equipment, and compel individuals and organisations to answer questions. It replaces the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch. Sir Bernard Jenkin MP, who chaired a parliamentary committee that backed the idea of legal protection, said: “It is the real catalyst for breaking the hold of the traditional blame culture in healthcare. People make mistakes that are part of a failing safety system, but rarely because of deliberate negligence or carelessness.”
Our HR comment: – NHS staff granted ‘safe space’ powers to speak out about mistakes | Consensus HR – Herts, Beds
Matthew P Chilcott, FCIPD, ACEL, Owner of Consensus HR comments: “Following the stories we have heard recently regarding mistakes made in the NHS and their severe consequences, it is great to see this new scheme allowing a ‘safe space’ to give information without fear of it going to a third party unless the High Court rules it must. In any organisation it is vital that all members of the team feel confident in being able to express mistakes to the team and management and a culture is developed where they learn from their mistakes and make amendments to procedures etc, so that the same mistake does not happen again. This is why at Consensus HR; we ensure our clients have set Policies & Procedures / Standards in place for all areas of the business and their teams and that then development of their teams works in conjunction with them, and the appropriate action taken should anybody no meet them such as further development or disciplinary action.”
YOUR OUTSOURCED HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.
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