A former NHS trust chief executive has been awarded a substantial seven-figure sum after successfully proving she was unfairly dismissed from her post.
Substantial Payout Following Tribunal Ruling
Dr Susan Gilby, the former chief executive of the Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded damages totalling £1.4 million. The payout comes after an employment tribunal ruled in February that her dismissal was unfair. Dr Gilby initiated legal proceedings following her suspension in December 2022.
The suspension occurred after she made serious accusations against the trust's chairman, Ian Haythornthwaite. Dr Gilby alleged he had engaged in bullying, harassment, and behaviour that undermined her position.
A Stance of Principle During Negotiations
During settlement negotiations prior to the tribunal, Dr Gilby took a firm stand. She refused to withdraw her allegations against the chairman, describing this point as an 'absolute red line'. This principled stance meant the case proceeded to a full tribunal hearing.
Dr Gilby's tenure at the trust began in 2018, taking over just weeks after the arrest of Lucy Letby, the nurse later convicted of murdering babies at the hospital. She subsequently led the organisation through the immense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Implications for NHS Leadership and Culture
This high-profile case and the resulting significant financial award are likely to send ripples through the NHS leadership landscape. It highlights the serious legal and financial consequences trusts can face over employment disputes at the most senior level.
The tribunal's decision underscores the importance of robust and fair processes, even when dealing with serious internal allegations. For Dr Gilby, the ruling represents a substantial legal vindication of her claims and her refusal to back down from her accusations.
