NHS patients put at risk by ‘sham investigations’, says ex-CEO of hospital
Exclusive: Dr Susan Gilby, who won £1.4m bullying payout, says whistleblower protections must be strengthened
TL;DR
- Former hospital chief executive Dr. Susan Gilby won a £1.4 million payout after a tribunal ruled she was unfairly dismissed.
- Gilby alleged that "sham investigations" are used by NHS bosses to silence whistleblowers and shut down concerns.
- The tribunal found that hospital board members conspired to unfairly exclude Gilby and deleted documents.
- Gilby was awarded the payout after raising concerns about alleged bullying and harassment by the chair of the hospital board.
- Gilby stated she was offered a "non-job" with NHS England if she dropped her complaints, which she refused.
- She is exploring a criminal complaint against the board chair for alleged misfeasance in public office.
- The Countess of Chester hospital NHS foundation trust acknowledged the tribunal's decision and stated they are focused on learning from the findings.