HEALTH union Unison warned yesterday that a government pledge to protect NHS whistleblowers would not solve the health service’s problems.

An inquiry headed by Robert Francis, who led the investigation into the Mid Staffs scandal, will “ensure NHS workers can speak up without fear of retribution,” Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told MPs yesterday.

But Unison said the very need for whistleblowers showed up serious problems in the health service.

“The government is deflecting attention away from underfunding, which is the central problem facing the NHS today,” said Unison head of nursing Gail Adams.

“The key to driving up standards is safe staff-to-patient ratios, and that means investing in those staff.

“Unison believes that setting minimum nurse-to-patient ratios is needed now.

“The government still seems to believe that the service can improve and save money at the same time, placing too much pressure on staff and the NHS.”