These articles could perhaps explain the complete silence we've received from everyone we have approached (other than suggesting we write to NHS England and a suggestion our letter would be anonymised and discussed privately)
Written by a former clinical director of cancer medicine at Hammersmith Hospital and the outgoing NHS Ombudsman. Sourced from the Telegraph and the Guardian for balance.
In summary;
Former clinical director of cancer medicine;
"Many medical professionals, no matter how senior, find the whole process of raising concerns extremely intimidating and incredibly stressful. NHS management have designed it to be that way, and want all involved to know it. It’s a toxic environment".
"They are hounded and bullied out of jobs, with their financial and professional futures ruined by bureaucrats who rarely have any actual medical experience".
"Defusing, and then covering up the story, becomes the priority instead of addressing the root cause. This stop-gap approach saves the day in most cases but eventually disasters leak out. Regulatory bodies such as the General Medical Council (GMC) for doctors and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) are weaponised to silence doctors and nurses".
Full article;
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/16/nhs-medical-mistakes-maternity-deaths-backlog-waiting-times/
Equally compelling and surprisngly candid article from the outgoing NHS Ombudsman. Alot resonates with us;
"In significant areas – in maternity care, mental health, avoidable death, sepsis, eating disorders – time and again I’ve come across stories of people who only want the truth about what happened to their loved one and they found it very difficult to get it."
"far too many staff brave enough to highlight poor practice are then victimised."
"I’ve had doctors on the phone to me telling me what has happened on too regular a basis over the seven years. They say that they’ve tried to make a complaint, to raise issues about patient safety, and they’ve been warned off. And they have said to me: ‘If I continue with this, my career will be over.’ Good clinicians have lost their careers as a result of the way that happens"
Full article;
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/17/nhs-ombudsman-rob-behrens-serious-issues-concern
Some CHD charities have appointed NHS consultants or surgeons as trustees for their invaluable expertise. Charitable companies are registered with the Charity Commission and Companies House. Charity trustees are both trustees and directors. Consider in the context of these articles.