MPs tell NHS to support whistleblowers

Regulators must also send a “clear signal” to medical professionals that they are at risk of investigation if they fail to report fears they have about poor practice, the Commons Health committee added.

In a report, MPs admitted they recognised that staff who have taken action have “sometimes been subject to suspension, dismissal or other sanctions” but called for inaction to be regarded as a “serious breach”.

Committee chairman Stephen Dorrell said: “The great majority of care delivered within the health care system is to a high standard but there are too many examples where standards aren’t being delivered that we would all want to see.

“We don’t do ourselves any favours if we avert our eyes from that.”