Student Complaints
The Practice-based Learning Agreement states that clear processes are established to address student complaints during placement including ensuring that a senior member of staff, other than the named Practice Educator, is identified to each student. It is recognised that in the majority of cases this will be the service manager / team lead, however it is important that an appropriate person is identified to the student on the first day of placement.
Whistleblowing
There is National Whistleblowing Guidance for Allied Health Profession (AHP) students in Scotland from NES which details considerations and potential routes for raising a concern and is intended to be used by AHP students in Scotland whilst undertaking practice-based learning. This guidance related to the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer (INWO) Whistleblowing Standards.
This process came into place in April 2021 and should be highlighted to students so they are aware what to do should they want to raise concerns about patient safety, working conditions or wrongdoing. There is also an INWO document specifically related to students.
Turas training on the whistleblowing standards is available here.
Where possible the student should raise concern directly with Practice Educator/ Team manager/ identified 3rd Person. Where this is not possible or the student feels uncomfortable doing so, they can raise the issue with the Practice Education team at LOTH.AHPPracticeEducation@nhs.scot, or Lothian Speak Up Advocate: SpeakUP@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email us at: LOTH.AHPPracticeEducation@nhs.scot
AHP Practice Education Team, 1st Floor, Training & Development Centre, Residencies (Block 1), St John’s Hospital, Livingston EH54 6PP
Telephone: 01506 523584 (no voicemail)
