Whistleblowing with Shelly Tasker

Tonight I’m joined by fellow FTT host and former NHS healthcare assistant Shelly Tasker for a frank conversation about whistleblowing, life on the wards during the early pandemic, and the personal and professional fallout that followed. Shelly recounts empty wards in Cornwall, the moment she publicly resigned in uniform, and the hostility she later faced when trying to return to caring roles. We also explore the emotional toll on families and staff, the culture of fear, data‑driven targets, and the grinding impact of investigations and references on people who speak up.In the second half I reflect on this week’s heavy maternity news: the scale of the Nottingham review, growing allegations in Leeds, persistent concerns over workplace culture, and calls for a public inquiry into the NMC. We touch on continuity of carer, the realities of postnatal safety, home and hospital birth politics, and why transparency, accountability and practical remedies for mothers, babies and midwives are urgently needed.Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust – Maternity services: https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/maternityLeeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Maternity (The Leeds Maternity Unit): https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/maternity-services/The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust – Ockenden information: https://www.sath.nhs.uk/about-us/ockenden/Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC): https://www.nmc.org.uk/Professional Standards Authority (PSA): https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/Department of Health and Social Care (UK): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-careNHS England – Maternity and neonatal services: https://www.england.nhs.uk/maternity/University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (Derriford Hospital): https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (Treliske): https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby): https://www.nlg.nhs.uk/NHS Ayrshire & Arran (University Hospital Crosshouse): https://www.nhsaaa.net/BBC News – Health: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/healthHealth Service Journal (HSJ): https://www.hsj.co.uk/The Lancet – Journals homepage (for postpartum haemorrhage series access): https://www.thelancet.com/Royal College of Midwives (RCM): https://www.rcm.org.uk/LBC – Radio: https://www.lbc.co.uk/