A year since Francis - MPS warns current policy at risk of sustaining culture of fear Post date: 06/02/2014 | Time to read article: 1 mins The information within this article was correct at the time of publishing. Last updated 14/11/2018 06 Feb 2014 A year since the publication of the Francis Inquiry into Mid Staffs, the Medical Protection Society warns that the current policy direction may sustain a culture of fear in hospital wards instead of improving it. Dr Stephanie Bown, Director of Policy and Communications at MPS said, 'The Medical Protection Society welcomes the government’s focus on the importance of openness in the NHS following the Francis Report into Mid Staffs. We have long argued that a change in NHS culture is needed to ensure staff feel free to raise patient safety concerns. However, we are very concerned by the focus on creating new duties, processes and even new criminal sanctions for healthcare professionals. Cultural change cannot be mandated by legislation and we think measures, such as criminal sanctions, will do more to create the very climate of fear government is keen to end.' Further information For further information, or to arrange an interview with Dr Bown, please contact: Elizabeth Bananuka, Media Relations Manager, on 020 7399 1428 or email [email protected] Share this article Share Tweet