United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has released a statement saying it has written to its former Chief Executive Gary Walker, reinforcing his freedom to talk about patient safety.
A statement from the trust said: “The letter from trust chief executive Jane Lewington again confirms that, for the avoidance of doubt, Mr Walker is fully at liberty to talk about patient safety.
“This means that he can raise and discuss any issues he may have - without fear of redress - at the forthcoming hearing of the Commons Health Select Committee, potential General Medical Council proceedings, or any other forum.”
The trust says it is also writing to Stephen Dorrell, the Health Select Committee Chairman, and Niall Dickson, GMC Chief Executive, to confirm that as far as the trust is concerned, there is no restriction on the questions posed and answers given during their proceedings.
Mrs Lewington said: “This further reassurance is given in our Trust’s spirit of openness and transparency, which encourages all staff to raise issues about patient safety at any time.
“We hope that Mr Walker recognises it as a positive step, made in good faith.”
“Our focus is on the quality and safety of the healthcare we currently provide for the people of Lincolnshire in 2013.”