‘Sham case’ | Letby trust CEO awarded £1.4m payout after unfair dismissal tribunal

Former Countess of Chester NHS Trust chief exec Dr Susan Gilby has reached a £1.4million settlement with her ex-employer, following a 2025 tribunal that ruled she was unfairly dismissed.

Gilby took the trust to an employment tribunal over claims she was subjected to “appalling treatment” after lodging a formal whistleblowing complaint accusing chairman Ian Haythornthwaite of bullying and harassment.

Although the fee is one of the largest payments the NHS has ever made to an ex-employee, Gilby told the BBC it was “never about the money.”

The final bill could reach roughly £3million, including court costs.