Hospital Boss Compensation Win

Hospital Boss Compensation Win
The former boss of a Cornwall Hospital has been granted 1.2 million in compensation after he was unfairly dismissed as a whistle blower. The gentleman, John Watkinson was relieved of his duties at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust in 2009, he held the position of chief executive. An employment tribunal which began in May brought findings that Mr. Watkinson stood in the way of plans to transfer some cancer services out of Cornwall and into Devon. The compensation was granted as a result of an appeal against the decision to sack him as chief executive. The judgment has been described by Mr. Watkinson as bittersweet. He stated that whilst the amount of money was substantial, it could not replace his 35 year long working careers with the NHS, he also expected to work there for a further 12 years until he retired. Mr Watkinson also stated that the ruling had also impacted upon his chances of future work and raised questions against his integrity as a person. The gentleman involved began his career in the NHS in 1974 as a hospital porter and climbed through the ranks to become the chief executive, this was achieved through hard work and ability. The tribunal reached the decision that the sacking was unfair as it unveiled that Mr Watkinson was about to blow the whistle surrounding legal advice which had suggested that the NHS should have held a public consultation before any cancer services were moved to Plymouth. The RCHT confirmed that they admitted that Mr Watkinson had been unfairly dismissed and also stated that they would be appealing against the decision made at the tribunal. Last month the transfer of services was approved.