Panorama whistleblower blames managers for care home brutality

The Consequences of Whistle-blowing: An Integrative Review

“…45 Other cited consequences include being labeled as either "hostile, difficult, or sensitive," 45 "a traitor, tattler, or someone who cannot be trusted," 41,42,46 and a "do-gooder." 47 Nurse whistle-blowers face legal and financial consequences in the form of compromise agreements with gagging orders, 40,44 civil suits, 22 and criminal prosecution. 44,48,49 In at least 1 case, the legal proceedings had led to the whistle-blower being ordered by the court to foot the other party's legal costs.…”

“…36 This can ultimately leave the whistleblower feeling disillusioned, cynical, and bitter about the episode. 36,38,50 Furthermore, they may face personal insults daily 33,41,42,47 or be vilified on court stands. 46 Instances include being framed as troublemakers, 36 antisocial and incompetent, 43 or being alleged that their complaints were motivated by personal vendettas.…”

“…36,50 In some instances, even welfare of the whistle-blower's family 45 was alleged to have been compromised, e.g., adverse impact on children, 36 relationship breakdowns, separations, and divorces. 36 Furthermore, issues at hand might be played down, ignored, or even laughed at, 34,39,47,[51][52][53] and the whistle-blower's frustration might be compounded by seeing alleged target still practising 48 with patients consequently not ending better off or even suffering. 1,32,52 The only cited negative consequence to the organization (target of whistle-blowing) was a "panic type" reaction within the organisation as it prepared for external scrutiny.…”

“…1 Whistle-blowing also seemed to have propel levels of patient safety forward by increasing accountability to patients (and whistle-blowers) through formal review panels set-up to investigate complaints. 46,47,55 On some occasions, this led to the closing of offending organizations with system-level changes made in both nursing homes and hospitals. 56 On other occasions, it led to the arrests and suspensions of offending staff members 33 or halted funding in the case of clinical trials.…”

“…57 Whistle-blowing had also been cited as being instrumental in leading to long-term positive changes such as more stringent reviews of research approval processes, 57 identification of existing system gaps, 25,46 setting up of task forces to spot check and review existing facilities 25,26 and positive recommendations, e.g., freedom to speak guardians 55 and whistle-blowing hotlines. 47 Other positive consequences that had resulted from nurses who whistleblew include amended legislations to close existing loopholes and hold employers responsible for intra-organization bullying of whistleblowers 40 and neglect. 55 Sometimes, nurse whistle-blowers are successful in their appeals at employment tribunals 27,40 or had criminal charges brought against them subsequently dismissed.…”