There has been an important development.

Following the publication of the latest Nottingham maternity review, NHS England Chief Executive Sir Jim Mackey has announced that NHS executive contracts could be rewritten to make it easier to hold leaders accountable for serious failings.

For those of us campaigning for greater accountability across the NHS, this is a significant step. It shows that the conversation is moving beyond simply identifying problems and towards considering how leaders can be held responsible when organisations fail patients and staff.

However, stronger executive contracts alone will not solve the problem!

Many NHS staff still experience bullying, discrimination and racism, yet too often feel unable to speak up or lack confidence that concerns will be investigated independently. Families affected by avoidable harm continue to describe fragmented investigations and inconsistent accountability.

That is why this petition remains just as important today.

We continue to call for an independent NHS Workforce Ombudsman with the powers to investigate concerns fairly, consistently and independently of NHS organisations. Accountability should not begin only after a major public inquiry. It should exist every day, protecting staff who raise concerns and helping prevent patient harm before it occurs.

Thank you to everyone who has signed and shared this petition. Every signature strengthens the case that accountability, transparency and independent oversight are not optional extras. They are essential to rebuilding trust in the NHS.

Please continue sharing the petition with colleagues, friends and anyone who believes NHS staff and patients deserve an independent system they can trust.

Together, we can help build an NHS where speaking up is safe, investigations are independent and accountability is meaningful.

Andi x