Tribunal Starts For Dismissed Mental Health Trust Whistleblower Karen Reissmann

A mental health nurse, Karen Reissmann, who lost her job after criticising her bosses for proposing a reform programme which she alleged would lead to job losses will appear before an employment tribunal in an attempt to clear her name.

Ms Reissmann, 49, claims she was unfairly dismissed by Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust in November 2007 after raising fears of NHS spending cuts to the media.

As a result Ms Reissmann was found guilty by the trust of gross misconduct. The trust applied for the tribunal to be struck out at a preliminary hearing in October, but Judge Murray Creed ruled the matter should continue.

Following the dismissal, 150 her colleagues walked out in support of Ms Reissmann and a month-long strike ensued. She had worked in Manchester’s health service for more than 20 years and was promoted to a senior nursing position on the same day that she was suspended

The case will be heard in Manchester and is expected to last five days.