A loyal NHS nurse fired after warning that increased workload contributed to a patient’s death has won a £462,000 payout.
Mum of two Linda Fairhall, 62, had an unblemished 40-year career when she blew the whistle at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS trust.
A tribunal upheld her unfair dismissal claim but the Trust appealed.
But a judge blasted health chiefs and set what is believed to be a record award for lost salary and remedies.
We told in 2020 how Linda, who had had cancer and lost her partner, raised concerns on patient safety in 2016.
Today Linda, of Billingham, Teesside, said she felt “vindicated”, adding: “I want other nurses to know you can speak out. The law does protect you.”
At the appeal, Judge James Tayler said the original tribunal had “reached an unimpeachable decision”.
A spokesperson said the Trust has “continued to learn lessons and implement processes that impact positive change”.
