'Speaking Up' for patient safety and staff well-being: a qualitative study.

Background: Freedom To Speak Up Guardians (FTSUGs) and Confidential Contacts (CCs) were appointed nationally following the Mid Staffordshire inquiry to listen to and support staff who were unable to address concerns through normal channels of communication.

Aim: Explore perceptions of an FTSUG and CCs through shared experiences and personal stories.

Objectives: (1) Explore perceptions of an FTSUG and CCs.

Meeting students' learning needs is a priority.

I wish to respond to a letter by student nurse Rebecca O'Brien (Letters February 2). As one of the nurses on ward 16 at Solihull Hospital who participated in supervising Rebecca, I would like to thank her for taking the time and trouble to write to Nursing Standard to thank us for mentoring her.