Some of what we report concerns unsafe care, deaths, serious complications, fraud and misrepresentation. This page sets out the standard we hold ourselves to before publishing it, and the protection we offer people who talk to us.
When this policy applies
Reporting concerning unsafe providers; patient deaths or serious complications; fraud or financial misconduct; regulatory violations; false or lapsed accreditation; illegal activity; misleading outcome claims; and material patterns of patient complaint.
Evidence standards
- Primary documents wherever they exist.
- At least two independent sources for contested factual claims, wherever possible.
- A clear distinction, in the text, between what is alleged, what is documented and what is established.
- Preserved evidence, retained after publication.
All of it verified under our fact-checking policy.
Right of reply
Every organisation or individual criticised is put on notice of the substance of the allegations, in writing, and given a reasonable period to respond before publication. Responses are published, fairly represented and not buried. Refusal to comment is reported neutrally.
Legal review
High-risk stories are reviewed for legal risk before publication.
Before publishing: Confirm who does this. If you have no media lawyer, arrange access to one before your first investigation or remove this line. Publishing an allegation about a named clinic without legal review is the largest financial risk in your plan. Consider media liability insurance before naming providers or individuals.
Source protection
We do not reveal the identity of a confidential source. We advise sources not to use employer devices, accounts or networks. We agree terms — on the record, on background, or off the record — before sensitive material is shared, and we honour them.
Our contact form is not an anonymous or encrypted channel. Email us first, without attachments, and we will agree secure arrangements.
Headlines
Headlines on investigative stories reflect what is established, not the most damaging available reading.
Patients and families
We approach bereaved families and injured patients with care, do not pressure them, and do not publish identifying details without consent.
Where an investigation touches a business connected to the publisher, our related businesses policy also applies. Errors are handled under our corrections policy.