NHS Ombudsman Highlights Deep-Rooted 'Cover-Up Culture' and Urges Overhaul

As he prepares to step down, Rob Behrens criticizes the NHS for its culture of secrecy and the victimization of whistleblowers, calling for significant reforms.

• Rob Behrens, the NHS ombudsman, reflects on the challenges faced during his tenure, including dealing with a 'cover-up culture' and the obstruction of truth.
• The ombudsman warns that hospitals are concealing evidence of poor care, leading to avoidable deaths and families being denied the truth about their loved ones.
• Behrens urges an overhaul in how the NHS handles complaints and scrutinizes regulatory bodies to improve transparency and accountability.
• The NHS's 'duty of candour' is criticized for not forcing hospitals to be open when things go wrong, highlighting the need for urgent, significant reforms.
• Despite efforts to improve patient safety and a focus on improvement, the NHS is urged to prioritize creating a positive safety culture among its workforce.

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