A Merseyside GP supported by the BMA has won a whistleblowing case having been unfairly dismissed after raising concerns that the practice was not providing a service to its patients, despite it being paid to do so.

The GP voiced her concerns when she realised that the practice was not running an out of hours appointment service even though it was contractually obliged to and was receiving funding from the public purse to do so.

Soon after speaking out, she was told the practice could no longer accommodate her working arrangements, which had been agreed from the outset of her employment.

The termination of her employment was also openly discussed during the meeting. An employment tribunal found the GP was unfairly dismissed and subjected to detriment for whistleblowing.

Dr Tom Dolphin, BMA chair of council, said: 

"This GP was treated appallingly by her employer, and she has shown immense bravery for standing up for what she knew to be right. The BMA has been proud to support her case, and the right decision has been reached.

"Doctors who are brave enough to speak up when they see wrongdoing of any kind  must be protected, not punished for doing so.

"It is even more difficult to stand up to someone who you work with every day and who supervises or employs you. Doctors must be able to raise concerns without fear, yet too many still face a culture of blame and intimidation, and in some cases direct retaliation for speaking up. Clearly, more needs to be done to prevent this.

"We continue to call for clearer accountability that prevents inappropriate employment practices, and reforms that ensure whistleblowers are protected wherever they work in the NHS." 

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.