Responding to the publication of the report of the Thirlwall Inquiry, Dr Tom Dolphin, chair of BMA council, said:
 
"The events at Countess of Chester hospital a decade ago were some of the most appalling we've had to face in recent NHS history. This tragedy stems from systemic failure, and major reforms to NHS culture and safeguarding are now required to make the NHS safer for all in future.
 
"We will take time to digest the full findings of this Inquiry. What is immediately apparent however is that the hospital's management was simply not up to the task of keeping patients safe. After multiple senior doctors raised concerns, they were palmed off and told to stop causing a fuss. This is sadly not unusual in the NHS. We have represented many whistleblowers who have been silenced by management for raising safety concerns and who have suffered career-ending consequences. Whistleblowers in the NHS deserve strong protections, and the Inquiry makes it clear that these doctors did not get them. 
 
"Non-medical managers across the NHS need to know they will be accountable for poor behaviour of the type brought to light by this Inquiry. They remain the only major part of the NHS workforce which is not regulated and this needs to change. We are glad to see the Inquiry recommend a full statutory regulation system for managers, and a system to disbar those who fail. We have long said this was essential, and as a manifesto commitment of this government we would want to see that regulatory system by the end of this Parliament rather than on the longer timescale in this review.
 
"We also welcome the tougher requirements to end the 'revolving door' system that allows inadequate managers to simply find employment at another hospital.
 
"Better regulation for their profession would mean non-medical managers face appropriate scrutiny and accountability for the decisions they make. It will not bring solace to the families of the victims, but it can help build a culture where nothing like this ever has to happen again."
 

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.