A WHISTLEBLOWING helpline for NHS workers, enabling them to report patient abuse and poor services, has been extended to all social care staff.
The helpline is available to all employers and staff in the health and social care sectors to offer independent, confidential advice to anyone who has concerns but is unsure about how best to raise them.
Previously funded by the government, the helpline is now a free-phone service provided by the Royal Mencap Society.
Mencap chief executive Mike Goldring said: "This initiative will give NHS staff and social workers the confidence to report abuse or raise concerns about patient and service user safety without fear of victimisation or personal reprisal.
"As an organisation that supports vulnerable people, we take whistleblowing very seriously and understand the importance of this essential service."
Cynthia Bower, chief executive of health and social care watchdog the Care Quality Commission, said: "Health and care professionals have a responsibility to raise concerns if they believe patients or people who use services are being put at risk.
"The first course of action should be to raise these concerns with your organisation but, if you feel unable to, or your voice is not being heard, it’s important to know there are other options open to you. That’s why the helpline is so important."
The helpline number, also new, is 08000 724 725.
It will operate weekdays, between 8am and 6pm, with an out-of-hours answering service at weekends and bank holidays.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk