Speaking up about any concern you have at work is really important. In fact, it's vital because it will help us to keep improving our services for all patients and the working environment for our staff.

You may feel worried about raising a concern, and we understand this. But please don't be put off.  As a Trust we are committed to an open and honest culture and will look into what you say and you will always have access to the support you need.

We also have our very own Freedom to Speak Up Guardian: Sue Fogg. Sue acts in an independent capacity, to help support the Trust to become more open and transparent, whilst creating a culture which is based on listening and learning and not blaming. To achieve this, Sue is working closely with our Chief Executive, Simon Barber, and the Trust Board.

In addition, we have a network of Quality Matrons that are also Freedom to Speak Up Champions, who are here to support you and our Guardian. Find your nearest Speak Up Champion here

Preparing for transfer
Staff transferring to GMMH will have a new Freedom to Speak Up Guardian and Deputy Guardian. In preparation of the transfer, here are their contact details:

  • Juliette Tate, Guardian, email: Juliette.Tait@gmmh.nhs.uk, tel: 0161 358 1937
  • James Gold, Deputy Guardian, email: James.Gold@gmmh.nhs.uk, tel: 07775 752638   ​ ​​​​​ ​         

For staff transferring to Mersey Care, Sue Fogg will remain your full-time Guardian and will be supported by a team of part-time Guardian's:

You can raise a concern about anything you think is harming the service we deliver.

Just a few examples of this might include (but are by no means restricted to):

  • Concerns about unsafe patient care
  • Unsafe working conditions
  • Inadequate induction or training for staff
  • Bullying

Don't wait for proof. We would like you to raise the matter while it is still a concern. It doesn't matter if you turn out to be mistaken as long as you are genuinely troubled.

Steps for raising a concern

1)    If possible, raise your concern at the time

2)    Raise the concern with your line manager if appropriate

3)    If you remain concerned, contact a Freedom to Speak Up champion or email: FSUG@nwbh.nhs.uk

Alternatively you can contact our Freedom to Speak Up Guardian directly: Sue Fogg, Quality Review Manager, tel: 01925 664 142 / 07920 708 321
Email: Sue.Fogg@nwbh.nhs.uk

4)    If you feel that this matter cannot be dealt with within the Trust,  then you can raise your concern by calling the Freedom to Speak Up Helpline on 0800 072 4725 or contacting the Care Quality Commission; www.cqc.org.uk.  For further details on the steps to take, see our flowchart.


Anonymity

You can choose to raise your concern anonymously, without giving anyone your name. Although all concerns will be investigated, those raised anonymously may be difficult to investigate fully and it may not always be possible to give feedback on the outcome of the investigation if we do not know who you are.

You can raise any concerns via FSUG@nwbh.nhs.uk

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has produced  two helplines as an additional resource for staff.

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