1. Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
Introduction include Dr Nick Harper and welcome
Terri Vaselli

2. Patients and Staff
National Guardian Freedom to Speak Up
Bella Bailey died in November 2007, following an eight-week stay at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust for an inflamed hiatus hernia. Her family were so concerned about her care and the way other patients were being treated they refused to leave Bella’s side. Julie Bailey (her daughter), relatives, patients and community members formed ‘Cure the NHS’ and successfully campaigned for a public inquiry.
Helene Donnelly - After one particularly fraught shift in 2007 – during which she had been sworn at by one of the sisters and there had been a number of breaches of the four hour target – she made a statement setting out her concerns.
But she faced criticisms from some of her colleagues for speaking out and was warned to “watch her back”. She said “threats to my physical safety were made.”
Nursing Times (17 October 2011)

3. Background National Guardian Freedom to Speak Up
Hundreds of l patients died needlessly as a result of substandard care and staff failings at two hospitals in Mid Staffordshire between January 2005 and March Many colleagues at Mid-Staffordshire who tried to raise concerns had been ignored by Managers and the CEO/Board and a culture of bullying was deeply embedded discouraging staff to speak up about concerns they had.
‘The Mid Staffordshire trust, which runs Stafford Hospital, lost sight of its responsibility to provide safe care. In the wards, people lay starving, thirsty and in soiled bedclothes. Patients' buzzers would drone endlessly, unanswered’.
Daily Telegraph (6 February 2013)
Following the Mid-Staffordshire Health Inquiry, Sir Robert Francis recommended a Guardian is embedded in every Trust so that concerns about risks, malpractice or wrongdoing can be reported safely. The FTSUG Service is now embedded in the NHS England Contract and is being rolled out to PCCs to cover G.P. Services, Pharmaceutical and Dentistry Services.

4. Freedom to Speak Up Guardians National Guardian’s Office
The NHS Standard contract requires every trust to nominate a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian. They work alongside NHS trust leadership teams to achieve the following outcomes:
All staff have the capability to speak up effectively and are supported appropriately
The Board is engaged in all Freedom to Speak Up matters and issues that are raised
A culture of speaking up is instilled throughout the organisation and the NHS
Speaking up processes are effective and continuously improved
Safety and quality are assured

5. At Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, we are embedding COAT across the Trust
Culture of
Openness
And
Transparency
COAT ensures colleagues can feel safe when raising a concern and that it will be dealt with in a timely manner. As the FTSUG, I will ensure that the concern is investigated thoroughly so that risks can be assessed and the appropriate action is taken to reduce them. Staff also have their part to play when raising a concern:
SOS – Speak Out Safely with ECHO in mind
Expressing
Concerns
Honestly and
Openly
Explain COAT and that colleagues raising a concern also have their part to play.
This is not a route for grievance

6. Roles of Colleagues Raising Concerns
Comparing Q2 to Q3 – 2017/18
Themes of Concerns Raised
Comparing Q2 to Q3 – 2017/18

7. Remember, You Don’t Need Evidence to Raise a Concern.
We are active listeners and your concern will be taken seriously
As the Trust’s FTSUG, I don’t carry out the investigation but I do facilitate the investigation when a concern is raised
We have the support of the Board of Directors and can go outside the Trust if needed to the National Guardian’s Office, CQC or other support networks
We will offer help, support and advice throughout the investigation and thereafter if needed
At Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, we will ensure that ALL staff can raise a concern safely, in confidence and without fear of reprisals
If you are not sure, we can signpost you to the right place so come and have a chat
Remember, you don’t need evidence to raise a concern, you just need to do it
My hours are flexible so I can come to you here or out in the Community any day of the week, evenings or nightshifts if you need to talk
We are looking for Champions to support the FTSUG Service – the next training day is 19TH MARCH 2018
Let’s take a look at colleagues who have raised concerns and their experiences and examples of concerns raised.
What is the FTSUG Role?
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8. How to Contact the FTSUG
On the intranet or download the app – you can even raise your concern anonymously
– or
Post – Terri Vaselli | Blackpool Teaching Hospitals | Whinacre House
North Park Drive Blackpool | FY3 8NQ
Telephone –
You can also refer to the FTSU Policy (whistleblowing), your Trade Union, Line Manager or any of our Champions whose details can be found on the FTSUG section on the intranet.
Contact details are shown on the leaflets, please take one and with your Manager’s permission, display it in your area of work
You’ll see me around the Trust, stop and say hello!

9. Questions
Terri Vaselli