'Guardian' appointed to listen to Health whistleblowers' concerns

Thursday 19 January 2023

Health staff worried about the running of the service will now be able to privately raise their concerns with a newly appointed 'guardian'.

Social worker and qualified counsellor Ashling McNevin has been appointed to the new role of 'Freedom to Speak Up Guardian', which was established by Health Minister Karen Wilson in response to an independent review of the hospital that commenced in 2021.

The review and subsequent report produced by Professor Hugo Mascie-Taylor claimed that bullying, a 'bias against standardisation' and 'vested interests' were dominant in the island's health service – posing a threat to patient safety.

Ms McNevin, who has held several government roles over a 15-year-period, will work to ensure the voices and concerns of staff are heard and acted upon.

Her previous positions include being a senior social worker within the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Team and more recently within the Adult Social Work Team.

She has been seconded to the 'guardian' role for six months pending recruitment of a permanent post-holder later this year.

Deputy Wilson said she wanted HCS colleagues to feel "empowered" to speak up when things go wrong.

Pictured: Health Minister, Deputy Karen Wilson.

"It is only by speaking up that we can make sure that lessons are learned and services improved for the benefit of patients.

"I hope that Ashling’s appointment will help demonstrate to HCS staff and to islanders that we are committed to acting on the advice set out 2022 report and are working to accelerate the delivery of patient-focussed change and improvement. I look forward to seeing the positive changes that Ashling will help implement," she added.

Ms McNevin said she will encourage staff to "share their voices" and work to ensure their concerns are heard.

"Staff across HCS devote their time to making life better for others and for many it is more than just a job. Having a staff team that feel valued and heard will benefit everyone who uses our services.

"I want staff to know that they can speak up about anything they feel could improve within HCS, or which shines a light on the good work that is being carried out each day," she added.

"Confidentiality is guaranteed unless those highlighting concerns don’t wish to remain anonymous."