WALES needs its own NHS whistleblowing hotline, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats has said.

Kirsty Williams expressed disappointment there was no freephone telephone service in the principality for hospital workers to anonymously report their concerns.

The mother of three said a similar service operated in England - and argued that whistleblowers played a key role in driving up standards.

"The recent horrific scandals at Mid Staffordshire hospitals further highlighted the importance of NHS staff being able to blow the whistle on problems they have seen in their workplace,’’ she added.

"Routine neglect sadly became the norm at these hospitals due to a culture of fear, bullying and secrecy where staff were too scared to speak out.

"It is absolutely critical our NHS staff feel they are able to speak out and raise their concerns and that these concerns are taken seriously and acted upon.’’ Miss Williams said currently staff in Wales were expected to telephone a number, run by the Royal Mencap Society, that covers NHS and social care employees in both England and Wales.

She said: "Health is a devolved issue. I see no reason why England and Wales should have the same whistleblowing initiatives.’’