REGISTER OF STAFF CONCERNS COULD COMBAT LOW MORALE AT RCHT SAYS TEVERSON

Terrye Teverson has today written to the chief executive of the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Peter Colclough, asking for a public pledge to protect staff who voice concerns over patient care and hospital working practices from victimisation.

Mrs Teverson, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary MP for Truro and Falmouth, is backing the Royal College of Nursing's campaign to stand up for staff who speak out about inadequate patient care.

"It is vitally important that patients are at the heart of our health system - nurses must feel totally confident in reporting anything they feel is detrimental to patient care. This should not be about personal egos it should be about putting the patient first at all levels throughout the hospital - that is why we have the NHS in the first place." Mrs Teverson said.

"Many staff have complained anonymously to the local media about "morale being at an all time low" in the hospital and worries about careers being ruined if public complaints are voiced - this is clearly not acceptable."

"I am backing the Royal College of Nursing's priorities and demanding that the RCHT Management hold a register of staff concerns that must be reported to the Board and made available to the public."

"Staff at the hospital must be confident that their concerns will be heard and listened to, with appropriate action being taken if necessary. The current issues around staff morale and bad working practices will never be resolved if this "us and them" attitude continues."