The Scottish Government has confirmed the appointment of a ‘Whistleblowing Champion’ to Western Isles NHS Board.
Georgina Marczak of Great Bernera is one of nineteen such appointments across Scotland made by the Scottish Government aimed at creating “a more honest and open workplace culture within the NHS”.
Ms Marczak has previously worked in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
An NHS statement confirming her appointment said that Ms Marczak “now looks to bring her experience and drive to make a difference to patients in her new appointment as a non-executive member of Western Isles NHS Board”.
Announcing the appointments, Health Secretary Jeanne Freeman MSP said: “The NHS in Scotland does a fantastic job of looking after patients but it is just as important that NHS staff experience the care and respect they show to others. I am confident that these appointments will help create a better working environment for all.”
The Scottish Government also confirmed that the whistleblower roles were part of a wider package of measures aimed at strengthening current NHS Scotland policy, including the introduction of legislation to allow the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman to take on the role of the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer for NHS Scotland, and a review of workforce policies to ensure that they are ‘person centred’, and applied consistently across all Health Boards.
Ms Marczak’s appointment is for four years and is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.
