The Guardian reports an Exclusive: Rob Behrens says ministers and health leaders are doing too little to end ‘cover-up culture’ in England
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NHS ombudsman warns hospitals are cynically burying evidence of poor care | NHS | The Guardian
University hospital of North Tees. The trust that runs it has made two substantial payouts to whistleblowers.
Photograph: Islandstock/Alamy
Hospitals are cynically burying evidence about poor care in a “cover-up culture” that leads to avoidable deaths, and families being denied the truth about their loved ones, the NHS ombudsman has warned. Ministers, NHS leaders and hospital boards are doing too little to end the health service’s deeply ingrained “cover-up culture” and victimisation of staff who turn whistleblower, he added. In an interview with the Guardian as he prepares to step down after seven years in the post, Rob Behrens claimed many parts of the NHS still put “reputation management” ahead of being open with relatives who have lost a loved one due to medical negligence.