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Original poster

Whistleblow?

10 replies

nhsworker15 · 01/12/2023 22:16

If you knew that a serious misdiagnosis was made a few years ago and that it wasn't being looked into would you whistleblow? Patient diagnosed with palliative condition, which they don't have. Patient aware.

OP posts:
Dacadactyl · 01/12/2023 22:22

If the patient is aware, are they not complaining about it themselves?

Original poster
nhsworker15 · 01/12/2023 22:25

They say they are. But little confidence that anything will be done other than an apology.

OP posts:
Dacadactyl · 01/12/2023 22:30

What other outcome would be wanted by the patient though?

Did they go through unnecessary treatment or something?

Or did they sell their house and blow all the money thinking they only had 6 months left?

I'm not sure what I'd do in this situation (although I'm not an HCP) but it'd probably depend on the answers to the questions above. It'd depend on the level of harm to the patient. At first read, it sounds better than being misdiagnosed as having nothing wrong with you, only to die quickly because something was missed iyswim.

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General health
flowerchild2000 · 01/12/2023 22:31

It's by people speaking up that things change.

Original poster
nhsworker15 · 01/12/2023 22:34

A patient and their family spent 3 years thinking they were palliative, with all the decisions which came with that. Cant say any more - but it had a drastic and traumatic effect.

Maybe wait to see if complaint results in an investigation?

OP posts:
catoutthebag · 01/12/2023 22:34

Did the patient have imaging and biopsy to confirm diagnosis? Or was it a case or too frail/likely diagnosis is x and further testing would not be in patients best interests?

More information would be useful for advice as to wether whistleblowing would be appropriate.

Original poster
nhsworker15 · 01/12/2023 22:40

Can't give any more information.

OP posts:
SwishSwashSwooshSwersh · 01/12/2023 22:48

Yes I would anonymously because if this has happened to one person you know it’s probably happened to quite a few people you don’t know. Whistle blowing is critical to reflective practice, revising processes to develop best practice and person led care.

SwishSwashSwooshSwersh · 01/12/2023 22:49

Accountability will help prevent future mistakes

catoutthebag · 01/12/2023 22:51

@nhsworker15 if the patient has complained there will be an investigation and the clinician will have to provide evidence of the diagnosis. It doesn't sound like whistleblowing is necessary in this instance however you can contact your board/trusts whilsteblowing lead for guidance if you feel strongly about it.

Is this a common theme with the clinician that has been noticed or a one off? HCP's can and do make mistakes unfortunately.

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