Hospital trust refutes Sarah Parish claims over Martyn Pitman

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) responded to claims by Broadchurch actor Sarah Parish. 

Ms Parish, who said former consultant Martyn Pitman saved her babies’ lives, recently told the Chronicle she thought the tribunal system was corrupt. Mr Pitman alleged he was fired for whistleblowing, a claim rejected by an employment tribunal.

The trust has maintained that his dismissal was down to "an irretrievable breakdown in relations" and had nothing to do with whistleblowing. It says staff are actively encouraged to speak up when they have concerns.

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Mr Pitman decided to drop an 'unfair dismissal' claim one month after losing a case against the trust at Southampton Magistrates Court.

A Hampshire Hospitals spokesman said: “We dispute, in the strongest terms, the deeply unfair criticisms levelled at our dedicated, professional, and hardworking obstetric and midwifery teams who provide outstanding and safe care to hundreds of patients. 

“Mr Pitman was dismissed following an investigation which concluded that his working relationships with his clinical colleagues had irretrievably broken. The unanimous verdict of employment tribunal, initiated by Mr Pitman, found that his complaints of detriment on the grounds of whistleblowing, 'fail and are dismissed'. 

“Every employee needs to operate with respect for colleagues. If they are not someone others can work alongside, and if their conduct is having a significant impact on a team - in the way that Mr Pitman’s did - then a responsible employer has a duty to act, especially when patient care is a factor.

“As the employment tribunal confirmed, and as this trust has consistently said: Hampshire Hospitals has never - and would never - treat anyone negatively for raising safety concerns. We value and appreciate everyone who speaks up.”