The parliamentary watchdog has accused NHS staff of covering up mistakes and
failing to report ill-treatment of patients.
A report by the National Audit Office (NAO) states that workers are too scared
to report mistakes because they fear they will be disciplined if they highlight
any problems with patient care.
The report states that a ‘cover-up’ culture has developed across hospitals
in the NHS as a result.
The NAO highlights the actions of two NHS trusts where managers have
encouraged staff to report incidents and offered guidance on how to prevent
errors from happening again.
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After changing procedures, Barts and the London NHS Trust increased the
reporting of clinical errors by 40 per cent, while staff at Greater Manchester
Ambulance Trust are now happier to admit their mistakes.
Weblink www.nao.gov.uk
