Figures obtained by Health Service Journal - presented below - paint a picture of the extent of use of compromise agreeements and confidentiality clauses - or gagging orders - in the NHS.
The figures show use of compromise agreements is widespread, and it is routine for them to include confidentiality clauses.
However, the figures indicate only a small number of individuals who signed the agreements had previously made protected disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure Act which was created to protect whistleblowers.
Intense scrutiny has been put on use of the agreements in the NHS since last week, following the report of the Francis inquiry, and comments made by former United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust chief executive Gary Walker.
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