At Wootton Medical Centre, we are committed to ensuring that all staff feel supported, listened to, and empowered to raise concerns openly. We recognise that speaking up plays a vital role in improving patient safety, staff wellbeing, and the quality of care we provide.
Our Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, Lisa Marotta, is available to provide a confidential, safe, and supportive route for staff to raise concerns where they may feel unable to do so through other channels. This ensures that all staff have access to appropriate support, guidance, and signposting whenever they need it.
Contact Details
- Freedom to Speak Up Guardian: Lisa Marotta
- Email: lisa.marotta@nhs.net
Staff can contact the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian in confidence to discuss concerns, seek advice, or be supported in raising issues safely.
Confidentiality
All concerns raised will be handled sensitively and in confidence, wherever possible. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis in order to investigate concerns appropriately and ensure patient and staff safety.
Staff can request to remain anonymous; however, it is important to note that this may limit the ability to fully investigate or feedback on the concern raised. Wootton Medical Centre is committed to ensuring that no member of staff suffers detriment, discrimination, or disadvantage as a result of speaking up in good faith.
Escalation Process Summary
Wootton Medical Centre encourages staff to raise concerns as early as possible through the most appropriate route. This may include:
- Line Manager or Senior Manager
- Practice Management Team
- Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
Where staff feel unable to raise concerns internally, or where concerns have not been resolved satisfactorily, the following external escalation routes are available:
- NHS England / National Guardian’s Office (Freedom to Speak Up)
- Care Quality Commission (CQC): www.cqc.org.uk
- NHS Whistleblowing Helpline: 08000 724 725
Staff will be supported throughout the process, and the organisation will ensure concerns are acknowledged, reviewed, and addressed in line with a just and open culture.