The Queen’s former surgeon in Scotland receives a six-figure payout for unfair dismissal
THE Queen’s former surgeon in Scotland has received a six-figure payout for unfair dismissal.
Prof Zygmunt Krukowski, with Her Majesty for 12 years, had successfully sued NHS Grampian, saying it tried to discredit him after he raised concerns over patient safety.
The 70-year-old, who quit in May 2016 after 25 years at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, said after yesterday’s award that the sum “represents the maximum for unfair constructive dismissal and breach of contract”.
He added: “NHS Grampian say they will learn lessons from this case; I certainly have.”
Prof Krukowski flagged patient safety concerns to senior management in 2014.
There followed increased government scrutiny, two critical reports of Aberdeen’s hospitals and the eventual departure of several high-profile figures.
‘THE LAST STRAW’
The royal physician was, however, suspended from his role over bullying allegations, along with seven other senior doctors. While cleared of any wrongdoing by the General Medical Council, he resigned shortly afterwards.
A panel heard that Prof Krukowski felt he had “no option” but to resign, for the sake of his own health and wellbeing.
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In the letter, Prof Krukowski wrote that he resigned after allegations made about his conduct, calling them “the last straw”.
Prof Krukowski’s legal representative, Russell Bradley, described the health board’s investigation into the complaints raised against him as “incompetent” and questioned its impartiality.
Prof Krukowski, who earned £150,000 a year, did not reveal the exact figure of the award.
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