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Whistle in the Wind: Life, death, detriment and dismissal in the NHS. A whistleblower's story
In a shocking indictment of NHS standards, cover-ups and legal dirty tricks, Peter Duffy, consultant surgeon writes of his 35 years of experience on the front-line of the NHS. Charting his career pathway from auxiliary nurse and unskilled operating theatre orderly, he takes us through his progress to senior consultant surgeon and head of department.
In 2015, and after blowing the whistle on a series of near misses, he reluctantly reported an avoidable death, cover-up and ongoing surgical risk-taking to the Care Quality Commission.
Within months he was out of work and unemployed.
Via avoidable deaths and errors, cover-ups, misuse of public funds, bullying, abuse and victimisation the author charts out in searing detail his demotion, punishments and exile from both family and NHS and the subsequent brutal legal process that followed his illegal dismissal.
"Peter's love for his family and for what he does as a surgeon runs through the pages of this gripping book as he takes you on a journey to some of the darker areas of our NHS and legal system. As a society we need to face up to the appalling reality of what the NHS does to staff that speak up and how much public money it wastes fighting people that act in the public interest. Even a committed, award winning surgeon who transformed cancer services was not immune from attempts by the NHS to destroy him when he decided to stand up for patients and services. This is everyone's problem."
Dr Chris Day, junior doctor and whistle-blower
"As a fellow whistleblower in the same NHS Trust I recommend that everybody should read Peter's account. This is an incredibly important and unmissable portrayal of how toxic NHS management culture is harming patients and destroying the careers and lives of dedicated healthcare professionals. His bravery, dedication to his patients and commitment to exposing the truth is commendable. Read his book to learn the truth as to what is happening every day in NHS Trusts across the UK."
Sue Allison, Morecambe Bay whistle-blower
"Peter’s book has opened our eyes to a series of injustices that has not only destroyed his family life but revealed appalling wrong doings within the NHS. Our father was sadly a victim in a dysfunctional urological surgery department, where Peter was trying to make a difference against the odds.
Our sincerest gratitude goes to a person who has tirelessly fought with passion, dignity and sheer determination against an organisation that wish to silence the honesty of a whistle-blower."
Karen and Nicola Read, daughters of ‘Patient A’
In 2015, and after blowing the whistle on a series of near misses, he reluctantly reported an avoidable death, cover-up and ongoing surgical risk-taking to the Care Quality Commission.
Within months he was out of work and unemployed.
Via avoidable deaths and errors, cover-ups, misuse of public funds, bullying, abuse and victimisation the author charts out in searing detail his demotion, punishments and exile from both family and NHS and the subsequent brutal legal process that followed his illegal dismissal.
"Peter's love for his family and for what he does as a surgeon runs through the pages of this gripping book as he takes you on a journey to some of the darker areas of our NHS and legal system. As a society we need to face up to the appalling reality of what the NHS does to staff that speak up and how much public money it wastes fighting people that act in the public interest. Even a committed, award winning surgeon who transformed cancer services was not immune from attempts by the NHS to destroy him when he decided to stand up for patients and services. This is everyone's problem."
Dr Chris Day, junior doctor and whistle-blower
"As a fellow whistleblower in the same NHS Trust I recommend that everybody should read Peter's account. This is an incredibly important and unmissable portrayal of how toxic NHS management culture is harming patients and destroying the careers and lives of dedicated healthcare professionals. His bravery, dedication to his patients and commitment to exposing the truth is commendable. Read his book to learn the truth as to what is happening every day in NHS Trusts across the UK."
Sue Allison, Morecambe Bay whistle-blower
"Peter’s book has opened our eyes to a series of injustices that has not only destroyed his family life but revealed appalling wrong doings within the NHS. Our father was sadly a victim in a dysfunctional urological surgery department, where Peter was trying to make a difference against the odds.
Our sincerest gratitude goes to a person who has tirelessly fought with passion, dignity and sheer determination against an organisation that wish to silence the honesty of a whistle-blower."
Karen and Nicola Read, daughters of ‘Patient A’
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2019
53 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Peter Duffy
26 books19 followersPeter Duffy is an author and journalist based in New York City. He has written three books of historical non-fiction - The Bielski Brothers (HarperCollins, 2003); The Killing of Major Denis Mahon (HarperCollins, 2007); and Double Agent (Scribner, 2014). His journalism has appeared in The New York Times, New York magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Slate, the New Republic, and many other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 14, 2019
Having worked with most consultant mentioned in this book it somehow amazes me how things have evolved and how some of them get to still work at the RLI. I feel somewhat ashamed to be working for this organisation.
Still, I’m grateful for this book and while I do feel sorry for everything that Mr Duffy had to go through, I believe he really should be proud for what he has done.
Still, I’m grateful for this book and while I do feel sorry for everything that Mr Duffy had to go through, I believe he really should be proud for what he has done.
April 28, 2021
This book made me laugh, feel anxious, cry, and feel happy and relieved at the same time. I am going through the same thing at work but at a much, much lower scale compared to what he's been through. But similar in the sense that I cannot speak up because of the culture at work. I cannot express myself very well in English, but all I can say is I admire Mr Duffy very much and I wish there were more people like him in the NHS and all over the world. Thank you for this book and I hope someday, BIG changes will happen with the NHS and healthcare systems in general. Instead of management and staff working to protect their egos, they should remember that the patient is the centre of all of this. The patient and their safety should always be the priority. Not the numbers in spreadsheets or records of awards or accreditations. Everyone should take a step back and think, "Why am I even working in healthcare?" The whole system is just wrong on so many levels. Even here in the Isle of Man. But of course, who would listen to me? I am a mere worker migrant. But this book gave me the courage to just always do my best for my patients. I have been inspired to always do my best to make sure they are safe and I will always be humble and kind like Mr Duffy. Even if there are also bullies at work who undermine me because of my skin color and skills. The important thing is that I know I will always have what they don't--compassion and empathy--and if I were a patient, that would mean so much.
October 21, 2019
Wow! So shocking!
I would highly recommend everyone to read this book. So,so shocking. I had to keep reminding myself that it is about real life and not fiction. Its a tough read and I spent a lot of time feeling very angry. Absolutely unbelievable the diabolical hell Peter was put through. I really hope he gets some comfort in the knowledge that he helped and saved a lot of people.
I would highly recommend everyone to read this book. So,so shocking. I had to keep reminding myself that it is about real life and not fiction. Its a tough read and I spent a lot of time feeling very angry. Absolutely unbelievable the diabolical hell Peter was put through. I really hope he gets some comfort in the knowledge that he helped and saved a lot of people.
August 13, 2019
A truly shocking account of one surgeon’s goal to expose the incompetence of other doctors within the urology Department at UHMBT, he raised concern after concern of near misses, never events and subsequent patients deaths due to incompetence and missed opportunities. I had the privilege to work with Peter Duffy he was kind,caring, compassionate and above all massively competent at his job, his colleagues and patients spoke highly of him and yet ......... UHMBT ignored and buried the truth and dismissed him on grounds of racism and fraud. What an absolute disgrace this will be another scandal on the range of UHMBT maternity scandal. Shame on you who drove Peter out and who STILL allow 2 of the 3 surgeons to work at the trust. CQC and GMC get your fingers out and sack and remove them from ever being able to practice again
September 15, 2019
A frightening book for anyone who works in the NHS to read. It was written with incredible detail that was at times too much and not entirely necessary to the understanding of the narrative. Shocking and though provoking, I would recommend this book to other healthcare professionals, but I'm not sure that laypeople would appreciate all the NHS jargon and detail contained in the story
October 9, 2019
Frightening account of somebody doing the right thing
Truly shocking account of NHS mismanagement, cover up and appalling treatment of a clearly skilled, conscientious and caring professional.
I have been very lucky to avoid treatment by this urology department!
It is to be hoped that this will not be allowed to be forgotten
Truly shocking account of NHS mismanagement, cover up and appalling treatment of a clearly skilled, conscientious and caring professional.
I have been very lucky to avoid treatment by this urology department!
It is to be hoped that this will not be allowed to be forgotten
August 14, 2019
Repetitive in places
Sad personal account of what sometimes happens to NHS staff who highlight concerns in an unsupportive environment. I found some areas were repetitive but this was probably illustrative of the emotional distress when recalling the incidents.
Sad personal account of what sometimes happens to NHS staff who highlight concerns in an unsupportive environment. I found some areas were repetitive but this was probably illustrative of the emotional distress when recalling the incidents.
September 30, 2019
Why do people behave the way they do
A sad insight into lazy NHS management . The one thing the author can't answer is why the consultants and management behaved like they did. That is the answer that we all would like.
A sad insight into lazy NHS management . The one thing the author can't answer is why the consultants and management behaved like they did. That is the answer that we all would like.
August 29, 2024
An incredibly powerful book that was equally tragic and almost unbelievable. Mr Duffy demonstrates an immense strength of character in a David vs Goliath story of whistleblowing. As a Consultant Urologist myself I found the book very close to all that I know and quite simply scary. I feel immensely lucky to work in a department where there is incredible teamworking. I truly pity Mr Duffy to have worked in such a toxic environment with substandard colleagues who prioritised themselves over patient care and the goals of a unified department. It screams inverse racism although surprisingly he has not alluded to this idea himself in the book. To dedicate yourself to your job and your patients but to be so very let down by the system in which you work and find nobody standing by you is terrifying. Quite clearly the events took their toll on Mr Duffy but despite the drawn out journey the final result was in his favour...... thankfully. Striving for quality must prevail and without employees who will stand by this premise the NHS will not fulfill its reason to exist. A true story of standing up for what is right no matter what. Highly recommend this book to medics and non medics.
May 13, 2020
This was a shocking and tragic book outlining the author's story and struggles as a whistleblower in the NHS. It was eye-opening to be made aware of approaches of the urology department at UHMB, where patient safety was neglected due to both laziness and greed. Furthermore, it was tragic to learn of the systematic nature with which the dismissal came about. This is not something that you expect to happen when looking at the NHS from the outside.
It provided some insights regarding how whistleblower protection can be improved and how the system does not allow for effective resolution of concerns within the system, where current hierarchies are dysfunctional.
It provided some insights regarding how whistleblower protection can be improved and how the system does not allow for effective resolution of concerns within the system, where current hierarchies are dysfunctional.
October 13, 2020
A sobering and devastating account of a senior consultant surgeon's effort to raise standards and avoid unnecessary deaths in his hospital/Trust. The price he paid was huge. Individuals and organisations turned away. And he questions whether lessons have been learned. This all resonated deeply with me personally. Not a literary masterpiece by any means but, after all the cover ups and distortions, a story that needed to be told in its entirety.
August 1, 2021
Shocking !
A very sad and shocking story which has opened my eyes to our NHS. I must admit my trust and confidence has lessened considerably after reading this book and I will always question my own and my families treatment from the NHS from now on instead of just accepting their opinions/decisions if I felt unhappy . Who knew just how many unavoidable deaths there has been and will still be in this day and age. A mind blowing read!
A very sad and shocking story which has opened my eyes to our NHS. I must admit my trust and confidence has lessened considerably after reading this book and I will always question my own and my families treatment from the NHS from now on instead of just accepting their opinions/decisions if I felt unhappy . Who knew just how many unavoidable deaths there has been and will still be in this day and age. A mind blowing read!
June 4, 2022
Spellbinding!
This book was riveting. Having been born at the Queen Vic in Morecambe and knowing the area, I was more than interested in reading about this travesty of monumental proportions. No one should be treated in such a way! The book is well written. Our NHS is a disgrace to treat whistle-blowers in this way.
This book was riveting. Having been born at the Queen Vic in Morecambe and knowing the area, I was more than interested in reading about this travesty of monumental proportions. No one should be treated in such a way! The book is well written. Our NHS is a disgrace to treat whistle-blowers in this way.
June 6, 2020
Quite staggering picture of NHS management and governance, it was very like reading about the Soviet state. Strongly recommend reading this, an incredible inditement of the individual against the power of a huge state machine that defends the indefensible at all costs.
November 30, 2021
Toxic mix of incompetence/greed/self serving nature/casual racism allegations
Having worked in NHS and now USA, it’s not that different here especially with colossal amounts of money involved. Managers are often self serving and the least important is truth/patient safety
Having worked in NHS and now USA, it’s not that different here especially with colossal amounts of money involved. Managers are often self serving and the least important is truth/patient safety
April 7, 2020
Outstanding upsetting informative
May 25, 2021
Eye opening account
A very enlightening read - I had no idea this sort of attitude was prevalent and my heart went out to the author for all he had to go through
A very enlightening read - I had no idea this sort of attitude was prevalent and my heart went out to the author for all he had to go through
February 23, 2022
A great read, whether you have an NHS background or not. The bravery needed to speak up is huge, the strength to keep going when the system is against you is immeasurable.
November 24, 2022
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone in healthcare. Duffy's situation is absolutely heartbreaking and the way he handled everything is to be commended.
April 12, 2023
Story of the reality of standing up for patients in "our NHS". Having worked under Mr Duffy I can say he is lovely and it's a true shame that this happened to him.
December 31, 2023
Excellent and eye-opening
A thorough and detailed account of dreadful shortcomings in our public services by a man brave enough to speak out for the benefit of all of us. We owe him a debt of gratitude for doing so!
This book reads well - a 5 star recommendation indeed.
A thorough and detailed account of dreadful shortcomings in our public services by a man brave enough to speak out for the benefit of all of us. We owe him a debt of gratitude for doing so!
This book reads well - a 5 star recommendation indeed.
January 19, 2020
Sorry but I hated this book. Medical terminology was very off putting. I felt like this book wasn't so mu h about exposing what goes on but more like telling tales because now you've been struck off. Naming and shaming to make yourself feel better. sorry but no I wasn't impressed.
August 13, 2019
A disturbing yet moving account of one man's devastating journey to the truth
A compelling read that left me shocked and saddened that an organisation which is meant to be a great place to work and a great place to be cared for let so many people down.
A compelling read that left me shocked and saddened that an organisation which is meant to be a great place to work and a great place to be cared for let so many people down.
October 27, 2019
Compulsive read
Shocking but sadly believable read, having worked in the NHS myself for nearly 40 years and in the same trust as Mr Duffy for the last 30 years.
Shocking but sadly believable read, having worked in the NHS myself for nearly 40 years and in the same trust as Mr Duffy for the last 30 years.
December 23, 2019
Peter Duffy is true gentleman and legend. If everyone was as diligent as this gentleman. I a
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews