Consultant sacked by Winchester hospital loses appeal against dismissal
ITV Meridian's Chlöe Oliver has been speaking to Mr Pitman's patients and former colleagues
A consultant who was sacked by the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester has tonight been told he will lose his job after a failed appeal.
Martyn Pitman has been an obstetrician and gynaecologist in the NHS for over 20 years.
More than 1,000 patients, colleagues and friends have joined a group calling for an him to be re-instated.
Lynda Emptage was a patient of Martyn's for 20 years and was so upset about news of his dimissal, she started a Facebook group calling for an inquiry into what happened.
Mr Pitman's supporters claim he lost his job after raising safety concerns about getting electrocuted from a piece of equipment in the operating theatre three years ago.
Tonight, his appeal against his dismissal has been upheld by the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Martyn has described the decision to uphold his dismissal as ‘crushing’ and fears the decision could prevent other doctors for speaking up about concerns in the future.
Mr Martyn Pitman said: “As an experienced, skilled and dedicated doctor, who has had the privilege of caring for countless patients over the past 30 years, it is devastating to realise that my dismissal from the Trust signals the end of my cherished career.
"Throughout my 20 years of being a consultant at the Hampshire Hospitals Trust I have made so many sacrifices to the benefit of both the Trust and the patients that I have been clinically responsible for – during a career dedicated to provision of safe, patient-focussed and evidence-based care.
“The decision to uphold my dismissal is crushing. It also poses a potential direct threat to patient and staff safety by setting a very worrying precedent for other doctors and members of staff who may now be too afraid to speak out when they have legitimate concern or believe something is wrong, for fear of the consequences.
Among those rallying behind Mr Pitman is Broadchurch actress Sarah Parish who credits Martyn with saving not only her life but also her daughter Nell's life.
Another supporter is Mel Smart, who is one of the hundreds of patients treated by Mr Pitman. She said: "He was responsible for saving my life. I don't know how you can thank someone for letting them be a mother to their children."
A spokesperson at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust actively encourages staff to speak up when they have concerns, and takes all complaints, including grievances and whistleblowing, extremely seriously. Each is handled impartially, professionally and in line with robust policies.
"In certain cases, this includes the commissioning of independent reports/ reviews by outside experts to ensure the highest levels of scrutiny. In addition, every effort is made to support the health and wellbeing of those involved in what can be a challenging process.
“No member of staff has ever been dismissed as a result of whistleblowing or raising concerns around patient safety.
“Unfortunately we are unable to comment further at this time due to ongoing processes.”
In an email seen by ITV News, the BMA and Mr Pitman’s legal team are now considering the next steps whilst continuing with preparations for an ongoing whistleblowing claim in the Employment Tribunal later this year.
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