Ex-NHS Leader Linked to Lucy Letby Case Secures £1 Million Settlement

An NHS trust has been ordered to pay over £1 million to Dr. Susan Gilby, its former chief executive, after a successful unfair dismissal claim in her favor. This decision came from an employment tribunal following her suspension in December 2022.

Background of the Case

Dr. Gilby initiated legal action against the Countess of Chester NHS Trust. Allegations of bullying and harassment were aimed at the trust’s chairman, Ian Haythornthwaite. Dr. Gilby’s tenure at the trust began shortly after the arrest of Lucy Letby, a child serial killer, in 2018.

Tribunal Findings

In February, the tribunal ruled that Dr. Gilby was unfairly dismissed after she expressed concerns regarding Mr. Haythornthwaite. She stated that her termination came after she highlighted issues related to his conduct.

Compensation Awarded

Dr. Gilby announced that she had received £1.4 million in damages. She emphasized that her motivations were not financial and expressed relief that the case had concluded.

Grievance Against the Chairman

In July 2022, Dr. Gilby filed a grievance against Ian Haythornthwaite, citing bullying and undermining behavior. During her ousting, she engaged in settlement talks but faced pressure to retract her allegations.

Stance on Allegations

In a letter presented to the tribunal, Dr. Gilby firmly stated, “Withdrawing my allegations of bullying, harassment, and intimidation is a red line for me.”

Next Steps for the Countess of Chester NHS Trust

The Countess of Chester NHS Trust has been approached for comments regarding this ruling and its implications moving forward. This case underscores the ongoing issues of workplace conduct within healthcare institutions.