Speaking Up Safely and Raising Concerns

Speaking up Safely - a Framework for the NHS in Wales

• The Framework sets out the responsibilities of an organisation to create a culture in which ‘Speaking Up’ (also referred to as ‘raising a concern’) is supported within a safe environment.
• To ensure that all individuals have a voice, are listened to, and receive a timely and appropriate response.
• Support is available through a range of channels, including the Trainee Forum, direct TPD guidance and End of year Feedback Forms—all designed to ensure your voice is heard and your experience is supported.

Speaking Up Safely – What Happens After We Receive Your Feedback Once we receive your feedback, the next steps will depend on the nature and complexity of the concerns raised. As a general guide, the process is as follows:

Initial Review

Feedback is reviewed by the TPD and Quality Lead.

Host Practice Engagement

Initial concerns may be addressed through an informal discussion with the Training Programme Director (TPD) and Educational Supervisor (ES) / Host Practice. 

However, if the matter is more serious or requires further exploration, a formal meeting will be arranged with the host practice to explore the issues in greater detail.

Recommendations and Actions

Based on the discussion, recommendations are made and specific actions are agreed upon—including clear deadlines.

Follow-Up

Meetings will be scheduled to monitor progress and ensure that agreed actions are being implemented effectively. If sufficient improvements are not observed, the matter will be escalated to the Associate Dean for further review and action. Rest assured, all concerns are treated with the utmost care, discretion, and professionalism. We handle each matter confidentially and ensure appropriate follow-up to support a fair and constructive resolution.

Speaking up matters to HEIW.  If we’re not aware of your concerns, we can’t take steps to support you or improve your experience.  Your feedback helps us make this year as positive and rewarding as possible.

Raising Concerns The GDC states that:

All dental professionals have a professional responsibility to report any treatment or behaviour which might pose a risk to patients or colleagues.  A key part of this is ensuring that there is a culture of openness and honesty. Raising a concern should be input that is welcomed rather than tolerated.  It is vital that staff raising a concern are listened to and that the information is acted upon.  This type of environment benefits patients, colleagues and the wider health service.

Principle 8 of the https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-andguidance/standards-for-the-dental-team covers raising a concern, providing information on:

• How to approach this issue.
• What to expect from employers in the sector.
• When to approach us.

For more information about raising a concern please visit: https://www.gdcuk.org/raising-concerns/raising-concerns-about-dental-treatment/how-do-i-raise-aconcern-about-a-dental-professional/advice-for-professionals-raising-a-concern

You must raise a concern even if you are not able to control or influence your working environment. Your duty to raise concerns overrides any personal and professional loyalties or concerns you might have (for example, seeming disloyal or being treated differently by your colleagues or managers).  You must not enter into any contract or agreement with your employer or contracting body which contains a ‘gagging clause’ that would prevent you from raising concerns about patient safety or restrict what you could say when raising a concern.  Do remember that your TPD is available to speak with you about any concerns you may wish to discuss.

Sustainable Healthcare in Wales

In April 2019, the Wales Government declared a climate emergency in Wales, and two years later published its plan for a “net-zero” NHS by 2030.  In response to this pledge, the NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan was released.

NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan (gov.wales) Health Education Improvement Wales (HEIW) have a role to support the implementation of this plan, but we can all play a part.  

The Lancet describes climate change as “the greatest global health threat facing the world in the 21st century”.

Thinking about climate change can be frightening (this is a normal response to devastating news, and we call this eco-distress).  Recognising the way that we feel, and acting, can help us to feel more positive. 

Some small actions that you, as a dental therapist trainee in Wales, could take include:

• Joining your local Green Group (there’s one in every Health Board) • Looking at the resources available on Green Health Wales website
  
• Exploring active travel options to commute to work or car sharing for study days.
• Bring a reusable mug/water bottle to all study days/ sessions.
• Reduce the use of paper, as all educational content, timetables and agendas will be available in digital or electronic format. 

Dentistry is facing many challenges to help tackle the problem, particularly around decontamination, waste disposal and the use of single-use plastics. NHS dental services emissions make up 3% of the overall carbon footprint of the NHS.

If you are interested in learning more about Sustainability in Dentistry, the link below will direct you to an excellent resource on the website of the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.

Sustainable Dentistry: How-to Guide for Dental Practices | Centre for Sustainable

Healthcare

Sustainable Healthcare provides hope for a healthier future and a healthier planet. This is why the Lancet also describes climate change as “the greatest opportunity to redefine the social and environmental determinants of health”.