Thank you to everyone who’s signed and shared this campaign so far.

I’ve received a response from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) about the proposed NHS Workforce Ombudsman but, (unsurprisingly) and disappointingly, they believe the current systems for speaking up are adequate.

I have responded promptly, as their's was a little watery. To be honest, it demonstrated a lack of knowledge of any workforce issues, let alone the severity and the fact that racial harassment is on the up.

I genuinely thought the response was a joke, as it completely missed my original ask; "I am seeking ministerial approval to create an independent NHS Workforce Ombudsman".

Instead, they listed all the ways people can speak up, including NHSE's Freedom To Speak Up policy (hang on, aren't you doing away with NHSE?).

Let us be quite plain: the data tells a very different story.

• Almost half of NHS staff who experience bullying, harassment or abuse never report it.
• Disabled staff are twice as likely to be bullied compared to their non-disabled colleagues.
• Racism, ableism and homophobia remain widespread and yet, accountability and sanctions are rare.

Employment tribunals are failing to deliver justice for NHS staff. They’re expensive, reactive, and often retraumatise those who have already been harmed. Meanwhile, organisational learning is almost non-existent.

They also directed me to the NHS 10-Year Plan. I reviewed the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan on the day it was released. Whilst it mentions “accountability” and “culture change,” these promises are vague and unenforceable. Nothing in the plan provides the real protection or independent oversight that staff need.

Also, the long-awaited "Workforce Plan" is really rather delayed and will not appear before the mulled wine, mince pies or nut roast.

According to a podcast in June, it was due in September. It's pumpkin day today and the Department are still asking people to participate in it's formulation.

Frankly, the Department’s response is demonstrable of the misunderstanding of the depth of the problem.

Whistleblowers are still punished, not protected, and the cycle of fear continues and I pointed this out, in no uncertain terms, in my response.

That’s why we’re continuing this campaign. We need an independent NHS Workforce Ombudsman, one with legal powers to investigate, enforce, and drive genuine change.

💬 Please share this petition widely. Encourage colleagues, friends, and family to sign and speak up. Together, we can make the NHS a safer and fairer place for everyone who works within it.

🔗 Sign & Share: https://www.change.org/andi_changes_health

Have lovely weekends. Catch up next week.

P.S. Please donate to the Jamaica fund but ensure you use the official Government of Jamaica site (.jm).