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WHISTLEBLOWER WAS RIGHT
Added: (Sun Feb 05 2006)
PRESS RELEASE
WHISTLEBLOWER WAS RIGHT
http://www.nhs-exposed.com/
In 1998, Dr Rita Pal whistleblew on the substandard care of patients on Ward 87 North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary ( City General Hospital). Her concerns included
a) Lack of basic equipment such as drip sets
b) Lack of adequate support for junior doctors
c) Lack of basic care for patients
d) Repeated DNR notices
e) Gross shortage in staffing levels.
Her concerns were ignored at the time and investigation reversed on her. In the year 2000, as no formal investigation had taken place despite reports to the Department of Health, Dr Pal raised the issues with the media specifically the Sunday Times newspapers. The Sunday Times featured a article called Elderly Helped to Die ( http://www.nhsexposed.com/patients/hospitals/nstaffs/elderly.shtml). The GMC was then given a catalogue of complaints regarding Ward 87. The GMC in turn reversed the investigation onto the whistleblower guided by the Department of Health.
The GMC documents admit to " discreet inquiries". No finding was ever made in the 2 years of discreet inquiries. Dr Pal was never told of this inquiries. She subsequently discovered memos attempting to discredit her. R Pal v GMC took place as the first ever negligence action against the GMC for defamation, breach of human rights and data protection. The GMC then provided a statement that there were no concerns (http://www.nhsexposed.com/patients/hospitals/nstaffs/Mail0254.PDF). Dr Pal won the first hearing and the GMC subsequently settled the case (http://www.nhsexposed.com/healthworkers/doctors/gmc/pal_v_general_medical_council.shtml)
In December 2005, the Department of Health and the Trust in question finally disclosed a redacted copy of the 2001 investigation report into Ward 87. This was 5 years after purposeful concealment. Department of Health were aware of this report which verified Dr Pal's concerns but instead set out to undermine and discredit the whistleblower through their representative Professor Griffiths.
Professor Rod Griffiths is currently being investigated for misleading the General Medical Council.