MINISTERS have backed the head of the Scottish NHS after he admitted too many of his staff are afraid to voice concerns.

Shona Robison, Scottish Health Secretary, said she supported an outspoken interview and article in which chief executive of NHS Scotland Paul Gray spoke of staff fearing repercussions if they pointed out problems with the health service.

Writing in The Herald this week Mr Gray said some NHS Scotland staff had told him they felt there was no point raising concerns as nothing would happen and some felt they would be victimised if they blew the whistle.

Addressing MSPs in Holyrood about the issue, Ms Robison responded: "I actually agreed that Paul Gray was quite right to put on the record his concerns. I actually support what he has said."

Ms Robison outlined measures the Scottish Government has taken to empower staff including the creation of a whistleblowers helpline. However, she added: "If we thought enough had been done we would not be moving towards establishing a national independent whistleblowing officer.

"If there are any further mechanisms we can do to develop and improve an open and transparent culture we will do so."

Alex Cole-Hamilton, a Liberal Democrat MSP, raised the issue with Ms Robison in the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament. He said afterwards: "No member of NHS staff should be afraid to report wrongdoing or malpractice for fear of the impact that it could have on their career. We cannot afford for there to be even the perception of such a corrosive culture within our NHS. Staff need to know that they are part of a listening, transparent health service."

He said Ms Robison had committed to funding the confidential alert line for NHS staff in future and this was welcome as the line had had "a hand to mouth existence over the last three years, with funding reviewed annually."

The Scottish Government is facing calls to conduct a full review of the way whistleblowers are treated by the health service.