A new confidential alert-line for NHS staff who want to raise concerns in confidence went live today.

The line is being piloted for one year and should offer reassurance to staff, Health Secretary Alex Neil said.

Its launch follows the Francis inquiry, which uncovered "appalling" failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust in England.

Mr Neil said: "It is important that NHS workers feel that they can raise any concerns they may have safely and confidentially, and be reassured that health boards will listen.

"All areas of concern must be investigated and lessons will be learned to ensure that the NHS in Scotland provides the best possible service to patients.

"We already have whistle-blowing policies and staff can be assured that these will be enforced and the alert line will give staff have the best possible support."

NHS staff will be able to use the 0800 008 6112 number, and any concerns will be passed on to the employer or regulatory organisation.

The Scottish Government's alert-line plan was welcomed.

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Jackson Carlaw said: "This is a positive move and one which will hopefully weed out some bad practice across the NHS.

"However, two things are absolutely vital. Tip-offs to this line have to be acted upon and not simply brushed under the carpet, as appears to have happened with waiting times.

"The other is that the SNP's scrutiny of the health service does not simply stop at this phone line.

"It has become a habit whereby accountability for mistakes and problems is simply non- existent, and that has to change."