Call to protect whistle-blowers

Health spokeswoman Mary Scanlon said NHS staff must not be intimidated or worried about raising concerns which could stop potentially catastrophic mistakes.

She said: "To support and protect our dedicated and responsible staff in our Scottish NHS we want to bring forward measures to strengthen protection for whistle-blowers. Our health workers must not be afraid to speak up about anything which compromises patient safety or patient care. We'll put an end to that fear and in doing so we will raise standards. The BMA supports our plans. The RCN wants more protection as well.

"A robust system which allows NHS staff to bring forward concerns of corruption or clinical wrongdoing will only make the NHS more transparent and better geared toward patient care.

"The best way to hamper the NHS is to create a climate of fear, bullying, and despair - one which prevents employees from being able to talk about their work."