Ranson tribunal hears from second psychiatrist

DHSC put forward expert witness Dr Isaac

A psychiatrist, instructed by the Department of Health and Social Care, has disputed how long it could take the Island’s former medical director to return to work.

Today the employment tribunal considering the dismissal of Dr Rosalind Ranson heard from an expert witness called by the DHSC.

For the second day in a row the tribunal panel has heard evidence on the impact of Dr Rosalind Ranson's dismissal on her mental and physical health.

Yesterday Professor Tony Elliott, called upon by Dr Ranson's legal team, said it could be up to four years before she is fit to return to work insisting she had symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

This morning the Department of Health and Social Care's expert witness Dr Michael Isaac was called to give evidence.

He said he believed Dr Elliott's estimation of 3-5 years was too long – instead she may be able to return to work in 2-3 years depending on how future treatment goes.

Dr Ranson's legal representative asked Dr Isaac how he could describe her as having 'elements of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder' but not diagnose PTSD - another stipulation in the assessments of both psychiatrists.

When asked what kind of role she should return to, Dr Isaac said she shouldn't return to a role like the one she held in 2020, but could possibly find work in 'some form of medical role that is low-stress, non-public-facing and supervised'.

Further questions were asked about whether or not her involvement in the ongoing independent Covid review, expected around September, would delay Dr Ranson beginning her treatment.

Dr Isaac told the tribunal he felt the timing would not mean she would have to postpone treatment as she would be in the 'assessment stage'.

The tribunal will reconvene on Friday to hear the closing submissions.