Whistleblower - the tag that covers a multitude of sins!

Whistleblower - the tag that covers a multitude of sins!

I had an interesting conversation on Twitter with an NHS whistleblower who was quite adamant that the vast majority of whistleblowers are genuine. Of course that distinction hinges on your definition of a genuine whistleblower. For me, a genuine whistleblower is not motivated by grievance, but altruism. In fact, the source this whistleblower directed me to confirmed that the majority of whistleblowers are motivated by grievance.

It seems that this is the justification a la mode - dinosaur Mr Meirion Thomas has now swathed himself in the cloak of whistle blower-hood, according to the Spectator and the Daily Mail.

It may seem a bizarre argument to proclaim the right to free speech whilst monstering those who have exercise their free speech in response to Mr Thomas...well, let's face it, it is! Some of the wilder calls for action against Mr Thomas can be debated certainly, but it has always been a matter of professional etiquette to only make reasonable comments about professional colleagues. 

Mr Thomas was referred to the GMC, but the GMC promptly threw the case out. Some might be surprised at this unusual demonstration of common sense by the GMC. In fact it has been pointed out this position contradicts GMC guidance on social media, however misguided that is.

Sometimes someone gets flak not because they're a whistleblower, but because they're a "T****"!

(as per printed in the Daily Mail: the actual word used is a mystery - what expletives begin with T and have 5 letters?)