British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin: Freedom To Speak Up': BAPIO Submission To Sir Robert Francis Enquiry
British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin: Freedom To Speak Up': BAPIO Submission To Sir Robert Francis Enquiry
British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin: Freedom To Speak Up': BAPIO Submission To Sir Robert Francis Enquiry
Page 1 of 4
Page 2 of 4
Managers wield enormous power within disciplinary procedures and frequently use it to
further their own agendas. Dissenting voices are silenced at the prospect of fighting a wellfunded vindictive management. Even when certain managers are then proved to be at fault
or having acted corruptly they are rarely punished. Most are let go and are soon back to
business in another trust.
The second group of doctors is in a slightly better position as they have not yet blown the
whistle. We at BAPIO are regularly providing advice to members both formally and
informally. The formal route is through the MDS (Medical Defence Shield www.mdsuk.org
). Informal advice is provided through the BAPIO Patient Safety Forum. This is not restricted
to BAPIO members. Doctors are given information about the official channels to approach
with the issue, mentoring and support.
Solutions that the individuals / bodies consider should be put in place
1. Instituting a trained and independent rapid response team from outside the region to
determine in a short period of time whether the incident is true whistle blowing or not
(we may have to note that WB could include issues which cause harm to patients
directly or indirectly like bullying/harassment/discrimination).
2. Consider limits on the corporate legal funds available to managers. Establish a legal fund
corpus that may be used by whistle blowers if they are embroiled in vindictive legal
action by their employers.
3. Establish mechanisms for regulation of managers in the NHS as many managers use trust
disciplinary actions as a ruse to discriminate, bully and suppress discordant views and
whistle blowing. BAPIO patient safety forum is exploring the idea of hosting a one a day
conference in this regard.
4. Support (pastoral, legal and peer group) should be made available to healthcare workers
while under investigation.
5. The aforementioned report on suicide makes a number of recommendations including
setting up a confidential inquiry into suicides whilst under investigation.
Page 3 of 4
Conclusion:
BAPIO hopes that the enquiry will set the canvas for a culture of open dialogue without fear
of victimisation for whistle blowers, limit the improper and vindictive use of trust
disciplinary actions for bullying and harassing them and ensure that managers are equally
held to account when there are incidents of suppression and victimisation.
-----------------END--------------------
Page 4 of 4