Response to BBC Points West regarding former employee – December 2023

23 January 2024

A spokesperson for Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust said:

"Mr Serryth Colbert was dismissed last year for gross misconduct following significant concerns about bullying and intimidation of colleagues.

"These concerns were raised by a number of staff and thoroughly investigated by an independent expert as part of a robust disciplinary process.

"We strongly support all staff, patients, and families to raise concerns with us so they can be investigated and dealt with fairly.

"We have never dismissed anybody for raising concerns and never will."

Notes for editors

• A number of years ago concerns were raised by Trust staff through the independent, Freedom to Speak Up Guardian about behaviour and culture in the Oral Maxillofacial Service.
• An initial review of departmental culture identified issues with the department and some individuals that required formal investigation.
• A number of actions followed, including a separate, formal, contractual, independent investigation of Mr Colbert's actions, which led to his dismissal, for bullying and intimidation of colleagues.
• Mr Colbert was not dismissed, or subjected to any unfavourable treatment, for raising any concerns himself.
• Mr Colbert had made claims against the Trust in the High Court, which the Trust has successfully defended. The judgement can be found here: Colbert v Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust [2023] EWHC 1672 (KB) (04 July 2023) (bailii.org)
• Trust has denied his allegations.
• We are unable to comment further at this stage so as not to prejudice proceedings.