Doctor claims former DHSC CEO 'wasted her time' as punishment

Medical director alleges she was treated differently to colleagues

A doctor accusing the health department of unfair dismissal claims the then-chief executive subjected her to excessively long meetings as punishment for being a whistleblower.

The details were heard at Dr Rosalind Ranson's ongoing employment and equality tribunal against the Department of Health and Social Care.

The DHSC's medical director told the hearing she was embarrassed, and humiliated, in front of colleagues by Kathryn Magson - the now former CEO.

Dr Ranson alleges that Ms Magson claimed she'd lied about being commissioned to put together a document for a government group during Covid-19.

She also claimed that the chief executive would deliberately extend meetings to waste Dr Ranson's time as punishment for whistleblowing.

She explained that one meeting ran to more than four and a half hours during which she was asked questions that she believes Ms Magson would have already known the answer to.

The medical director says she was treated differently to colleagues by Ms Magson while on virtual meetings - being refused permission to turn off her camera while eating lunch, something she claims her colleagues were able to do.

Dr Ranson became emotional while describing how meetings would often be arranged at the end of the working day or in the evening.

These included meetings with GPs, where a primary care director was also attending, which she believes meant her attendance wasn't necessary.

She said she asked Ms Magson to excuse her so she could attend orchestra rehearsals - something she described as the only thing she did to have a work life balance - but was refused.

The tribunal is expected to continue hearing from Dr Ranson and her witnesses, this week, before the department presents its witnesses next week.