A midwife’s exploration into how power & hierarchy influence both staff and patient safety

Abstract

My experiences as a legitimate informal whistle-blower have afforded me an understanding of the dichotomy that is Trust allegiance and misplaced brand loyalty over and above both patient and staff safety, such that when poor care is spoken of as a potential or experienced from either angle, the general rule within healthcare management is not to acknowledge, reflect, mitigate and learn in order to improve, but instead to gaslight, deny and subordinate such that from a staff safety perspective they are caught between a rock and a hard place. This paper explores some of the opportunities which healthcare organizations could embrace to positively influence the effects of power and hierarchy on staff safety. Aims This paper discusses the bigger picture of maternity services safety. Methods This is a discussion piece. Findings For some healthcare staff it is preferable to remain quiet, not rock the proverbial boat, and maintain deeply loyal allegiances to their employers over and above public protection. For others, the journey of honesty, integrity and tenacity carries a high price in terms of personal energy, health and financial compromise. Conclusion This exploration into how power & hierarchy influence both staff and patient safety has identified and briefly explored some of the tensions created by misplaced brand loyalty inherent within healthcare institutions, and the legacy of harms resulting.