Ombudsman Rob Behrens comments on University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) review into culture that was published today.
“Patient safety must be a priority, but for that to happen, the Trust has to listen to its staff and patients, accept accountability, and learn from its mistakes. It has made a start, but there is much work to do to before we see real change and a shift in the culture of fear that has been instilled at University Hospitals Birmingham Trust. It is clear from this review that dedicated staff do not feel safe raising concerns in case there are repercussions.
“The people who work at the Trust are proud to deliver expert care to the patients they serve. They deserve to work in a safe environment, where they are treated fairly, feel valued and are confident that when they raise concerns, those concerns are addressed.”