To ask Her Majesty's Government whether persons who work in the National Health Service and who speak to the media about problems they encounter in their working lives may face disciplinary action as a result. [HL3172]

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 gives full protection of the law to staff who whistleblow in the public interest and the penalties for those who penalise staff for doing so are potentially very severe. The department has therefore, in light of the Act, made it clear that every National Health Service trust should have in place local policies and procedures that comply with the Act. The Government expect a climate of openness and dialogue in the NHS that encourages staff to feel able to raise concerns about healthcare matters sensibly and responsibly without fear of victimisation.