Villain

There is no doubt that bullying and harassment of NHS Staff is still rife, in every role and at every level of seniority despite various initiatives intended to address the issue. It even affects those in management as this case shows. And what this, relatively recent case, also illustrates is just how corrupt, dishonest and mendacious some senior management can be. 

At an employment Tribunal hearing a former employee of  Norfolk and Waveny Clinical Commissioning Group sought redress for unfair dismissal. The case revolved around a grievance document  prepared by a CCG employee, Steve Stavrinou. Despite Mr Stavrinou being present in court he kept quiet when the Judge was told that the document didn't exist.

But Mr Stavrinou is not the real villain of this piece. He was probably under instruction. His actions however attracted a comment from the Judge that "Mr Stavrinou is a man who finds the truth an alien concept,"

This is John Webster, Director of Strategic Commissioning at the CCG, described by the Judge as "disingenuous and unconvincing". Webster lied about the document, and then allegedly had it altered, prompting the Judge to state "Clearly, there had been a conspiracy all along going on behind the scenes,"

As if this catalogue of mendacity and dishonesty were not enough the CCG even tried to have the Judge removed once it became clear which way the wind was blowing.

The Judge has called for a full investigation and for guilty individuals to be disciplined. But Webster isn't hanging around. He's jumping before he gets pushed. Which means he'll be looking for a new job. And I have no doubt, in today's NHS he will find one. Coming to a hospital near you soon?