NHS FIFE'S new dedicated 'Whistleblowing Champion' has said it's "never been more important" to make sure staff have a voice to speak out.

Kirstie MacDonald has been appointed as a non-executive member of the health board in the new dynamic role, which has been replicated across Scotland in a move aimed at creating a more honest and open workplace culture within the NHS.

Her job will make sure that 'whistleblowing' is welcomed and that staff can feel that, when they raise concerns, they will be taken seriously.

The part-time appointment will be for four years until March 2025 and is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Kirstie said: “I feel very privileged to have been appointed to the NHS Fife Board as it’s whistleblowing champion.

“The past year has been incredibly challenging for those working in the National Health Service and it has never been more important that staff feel they have a voice to speak out on any concerns they have.

"Often concerns will be able to be addressed locally, however, it is vital that staff feel supported to take any concerns further and receive a response on any issues they have raised.

“The NHS Fife Board has already shown great commitment to the new whistleblowing standards and fostering a culture of openness, and I’m keen to do all that I can to ensure staff feel able to raise concerns about anything that impacts their ability to deliver the best quality care to the people of Fife.”

Kirstie has a professional background in international investment banking and has worked in the UK and USA.

She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Nottingham, where she specialised in corporate social responsibility.

She undertook studies in ethics, governance and risk in private- and public-sector organisations and a management project on the effectiveness of whistleblowing arrangements in the English NHS.

Kirstie has also worked in one of England’s largest acute hospital trusts as their first Freedom to Speak Up Guardian – working with the board and staff to implement national whistleblowing guidelines aimed at creating an open, supportive and responsive culture.

Whistleblowing champions were first created back in February by the Scottish Government. Health Secretary Jeane Freeman appointed 19 to health boards then and NHS Fife was part of three health boards that were still looking to make an appointment.

NHS Fife said: "We're pleased to welcome Kirstie MacDonald to NHS Fife as the non-executive whistleblowing champion member of our board.

The NHS is one of the most valued organisations in the country and whistleblowing should be welcomed as it allows the organisation to put right anything that may compromise patient safety or the integrity of the board.

"The whistleblowing champion will promote a culture of openness and transparency in the board where all staff feel confident to raise any concerns they may have in the knowledge that they will be supported and their concerns properly investigated. Being able to provide assurance that staff are able to raise concerns in an open, honest, and supportive workplace is a hugely worthwhile role."