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£1.4M Awarded in NHS Trust Dismissal Case

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Susan Gilby was awarded £1.4 million in damages after suing Countess of Chester NHS Trust for unfair dismissal.
An employment tribunal found Countess of Chester NHS Trust conspired to remove Gilby and suspend her in December 2022.
The total cost to taxpayers could reach £3 million, including legal fees.
Ian Haythornthwaite resigned after the judgment, and other directors left; Gilby called the handling "chequebook litigation".

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Story summary

Dr. Susan Gilby was awarded £1.4 million in damages after suing Countess of Chester NHS Trust for unfair dismissal.
An employment tribunal found Countess of Chester NHS Trust conspired to remove Gilby and suspend her in December 2022.
The total cost to taxpayers could reach £3 million, including legal fees.
Ian Haythornthwaite resigned after the judgment, and other directors left; Gilby called the handling "chequebook litigation".