Issue 3

Blowing the whistle - a guide to raising concerns

440X400 Kathryn Leask 23 Higher Res
ByDr Kathryn Leask
Published09 December 2015
It might not be the easiest thing to do, but raising a concern when patient safety is at stake is your duty as a doctor. Kathryn Leask gives an overview of how to tackle this sensitive subject.

It's easy to assume that someone else will raise concerns

Photo credit: Getty

This page was correct at publication on 09/12/2015. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Dr Kathryn Leask
Medico-legal adviser BSc (Hons) MBChB (Hons) LLB MA MRCPCH FFFLM RCPathME DMedEth

Kathryn has been a medico-legal adviser with the MDU since 2007 and is a team leader, trainer and mentor in the medical advisory department. Before joining the MDU, she worked in paediatrics gaining her MRCPCH in 2002 and holds a CCT in clinical genetics. She has an MA in Healthcare Ethics and Law, a Bachelor of Law and a Professional Doctorate in Medical Ethics. She is also a fellow of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and has previously been an examiner and deputy chief examiner for the faculty. Kathryn is currently a member of the faculty’s training and education subcommittee and a member of the Royal College of Pathologists (medical examiner).