DUDLEY’S hospital trust has appointed new roles to give staff a confidential route to raise concerns to help protect patient safety.

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Freedom to Speak Up Guardians to encourage an open and honest culture and empower staff to speak up when things go wrong.

The trust’s quality lead Derek Eaves has been appointed a guardian to work alongside current guardian and deputy chief nurse Carol Love-Mecrow and the appointments follow the recommendation of Sir Robert Francis QC for every NHS employer to appoint a guardian.

Dudley Group chief executive Diane Wake said: “It is really important that staff feel supported to raise any concerns they may have and that we, as an organisation, promote open and honest conversations.

“Feeling supported to speak up is vital in order to help us improve services for our patients and the working environment for other members of staff.”

The guardians have pledged to "guarantee confidentiality and ensure staff are supported to raise issues which will be dealt with appropriately”.