Freedom To Speak Up (FTSU)

Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) is about encouraging a positive culture where people working in the NHS feel able to speak up, have their voices heard and have their suggestions acted upon. Speaking up is about anything that gets in the way of providing good care.

Freedom To Speak Up (FTSU) is for all NHS workers – anyone who works in NHS healthcare, including pharmacy, optometry and dentistry. This includes healthcare professionals, non-clinical workers, administrative staff, directors, managers, contractors, volunteers, students, trainees, junior doctors, locums, bank and agency workers  and former workers.

Speaking up can be about anything that does not feel right, for example, a way of working, a process that is not being followed, or witnessing or experiencing discrimination, poor behaviour or inappropriate actions. Speaking up covers a range of issues, some of which may be more appropriate for existing processes, for example HR, patient safety or quality procedures. If in doubt, please speak up.

It does not matter if the incident or concern arises as a result of a misunderstanding or if there is an innocent explanation for the matters raised. As an organisation, we will listen and work together to identify the most appropriate way of responding to the issues raised.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has an independent Freedom to Speak Up service available for all staff to access 24 hours a day. Details of this service can be found on our staff intranet sites or by emailing the FTSU Guardian at wah-tr.freedomtospeakup@nhs.net.