NHS fraud 'whistle blowers' get DoH protection

The Department of Health would like all health authorities to employ a senior manager to encourage employees to raise concerns about NHS malpractice, including prescription fraud. The managers are to be issued with government guidelines explaining how employees can raise concerns about fraudulent activity in the NHS in a responsible way, without fear of being branded a troublemaker or damaging their career prospects. A DoH spokeswoman said optometrists, as well as doctors and other health professionals would be encouraged to speak out. 'Some health authorities have already appointed managers to deal with protecting whistle blowers,' she said. 'We shall be encouraging the remainder to make their own appointments.'