NHS whistle-blowers faced 'blame and bullying'

Two and a half years after it was first announced, the public inquiry into the biggest scandal in the history of the NHS, in Mid Staffordshire, is finally about to publish its conclusions.

One of the most compelling witnesses at the hearings was Helene Donnelly, a nurse at the trust who tried to raise concerns over colleagues' conduct and standards of care, only to be bullied and humiliated.

Her experience not was unique - despite countless initiatives to promote openness.

The BBC's health correspondent Adam Brimelow investigates whether this inquiry make the NHS a safe place for whistle-blowers.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, external on Wednesday 6 February 2013.