This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Newcastle health boss fired
Sir Leonard Fenwick has been fired for gross misconduct.
The longest-serving chief executive in the NHS joined what later became Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 1977, and has been on leave since January.
A disciplinary panel dismissed him after an investigation into claims of bulling and abusive behaviour, which Fenwick described as ‘an orchestrated witch hunt’.
The trust has referred ‘a number of concerns’ arising from the investigation to the NHS counter fraud team, NHS Protect.
The trust said the decision to dismiss Fenwick was ‘not taken lightly, but made after very careful, lengthy and detailed consideration of the investigation report and Sir Leonard’s response to the allegations’.
Earlier this year there were a number of reports claiming Fenwick forced the resignations of two consultants caught having sex with junior members of staff on hospital premises, with the suggestion the action alienated some staff.
The trust said it denied any suggestion the extended leave was connected to the handling of any internal disciplinary matter.
Fenwick said: “A catalogue of opportunity to undermine" him had been collected because he was ‘seen as yesterday, rather than tomorrow’.
I'm not a bully but I can show some measure of intolerance on occasions.
"There are those who may feel a little timid or a little anxious but I do look at outcomes and quality.
“In a private team meeting, in my close team, where, yes, I can see things drifting, I may have some strong words - but that's management.”
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