What did Dr. Susan Gilby win her unfair dismissal case for?

Dr. Susan Gilby won her unfair dismissal case because she was forced out of her job after lodging a whistleblowing complaint against the trust's chairman.

What was the payout for the former Countess of Chester NHS Trust CEO?

The former CEO of Countess of Chester NHS Trust was awarded £1.4 million in damages as a result of her unfair dismissal case.

How has the BMA reacted to the treatment of Dr. Susan Gilby?

The BMA criticized the trust's 'appalling behaviour' towards Dr. Gilby and called for cultural change within the NHS regarding whistleblower treatment.

Home / Crime and Justice / NHS Whistleblower Wins £1.4m After Unfair Dismissal

NHS Whistleblower Wins £1.4m After Unfair Dismissal

16 Jan

•

Summary

Former NHS executive awarded £1.4m in damages for unfair dismissal.
Tribunal found dismissal occurred after a whistleblowing complaint.
Payout is one of the largest ever for a former NHS employee.

NHS Whistleblower Wins £1.4m After Unfair Dismissal

Dr. Susan Gilby, formerly chief executive of the Countess of Chester NHS Trust, has secured a £1.4 million damages payout after an unfair dismissal claim. The employment tribunal ruled in February 2025 that her suspension in December 2022 and subsequent forced departure stemmed from a formal whistleblowing complaint lodged against the trust's then-chairman, Ian Haythornthwaite. This significant sum is recognized as one of the largest ever awarded to a former NHS employee.

Dr. Gilby, who led the trust through the pandemic after joining weeks after Lucy Letby's 2018 arrest, expressed deep sadness over her treatment. She highlighted that the trust has failed to offer any meaningful apology for the harm caused or the termination of her career. Her grievance against Mr. Haythornthwaite, filed in July 2022, cited bullying, harassment, and undermining behavior, which ultimately led to her dismissal.