Top hospital boss sacked over gross misconduct
BRITAIN’S longest-serving hospital boss has been sacked for gross misconduct after an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
Chief executive Sir Leonard Fenwick joined Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 1965.
A trust statement yesterday said that after a hearing before a disciplinary panel “allegations relating to inappropriate behaviour, use of resources and a range of governance issues” were proven against Fenwick.
It said the trust reported concerns to the “NHS counterfraud and security management service”.
Fenwick, 70, from Newcastle, has been on “gardening leave” since January while an investigation was carried out.
Victim
The trust said: “The panel decided to dismiss Sir Leonard from his role as chief executive on the grounds of gross misconduct.
“This decision was not taken lightly, but made after very careful, lengthy and detailed consideration of the investigation report and Sir Leonard’s response.”
Fenwick appealed against the decision, but a second panel upheld the original decision.
The statement continued: “The first priority of the board of directors and our highly skilled and committed staff is to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.
“They have successfully maintained and enhanced that focus in recent months.”
In March, the trust denied Fenwick was put on leave after he uncovered an alleged sex ring involving hospital staff.
An investigation into the allegations – strongly refuted by the trust – was carried out by an outside HR specialist.
Fenwick told ITV Tyne Tees: “I have done nothing wrong in real terms.
“If I have spoken strongly to somebody – and that is an allegation – then I have acknowledged that.
“But in other areas where they believe I am fraudulent or whatever then I am distressed and have made it clear that is not the case.
“I accept I am not perfect. It is a very very large organisation, no one is perfect from the Prime Minister downwards.”
A source close to Fenwick said he believes he is the victim of an “orchestrated witch-hunt” and that his age played a part.
He believes there is evidence he was “encouraged to retire”.