A spokesperson at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says, "We welcome the findings of the employment tribunal and thank the panel, led by Judge Gray, for their diligence in reaching their conclusion. The judgement concludes, “It is the unanimous judgment of the Tribunal that the Claimant’s complaints of detriment on the grounds of whistleblowing, fail and are dismissed.”
Although grateful that the decision has been made in our favour, we would not have wanted to find ourselves at a tribunal. The value we place on all our staff cannot be overstated; they are on the front line of providing outstanding care and clinical excellence to patients.
We are, however, pleased that we can say, with confidence, that our staff are actively encouraged to speak up candidly and free of any concern about a perceived risk to their role – this was true in 2019, it is true today, and it will always be a guiding principle for Hampshire Hospitals.
Mr Pitman raised important and valid concerns particularly in relation to impacts around staffing levels on our maternity unit. He was right to do this - and he was not alone in doing so. We listen to concerns raised and take action. Today, our maternity units are fully recruited for midwives.
Our issue was never about the concerns raised by Mr Pitman, but about concerns raised by others of disruptive behaviour and then a breakdown in working relationships. These factors are damaging in any workplace, but in a healthcare setting, which is by its nature an intense and pressurised environment, their destabilising effect is even more serious.
Patients are best served by teams that work together effectively. Where this cannot be achieved, we are obliged to investigate and take appropriate action. We are grateful to the tribunal for recognising that we acted on the concerns we received, and we take on board their view that action should have been taken sooner.
It is important we continually demonstrate to staff that our hospitals are fair and respectful places to work, and that HHFT is a good employer. This way we can retain great people, attract new talent, and serve our patients in the best way possible. We have learned a lot through this process and will continue to learn so that Hampshire Hospitals is a great place to work for every single colleague."
