Home   News   Article

Inverness dental therapist to launch civil action after winning an employment tribunal


By Gregor White

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Pauline Thomson.
Pauline Thomson.

A dental therapist is set to launch civil action after NHS Highland said it would not take disciplinary action against staff she claims bullied her out of a job.

Pauline Thomson, who represented herself during the employment tribunal which declared in her favour, refused any kind of settlement and was awarded a payout of more than £2000.

It was the first case of its kind to come to light since last year’s Sturrock Review into allegations of bullying at NHS Highland.

In an exclusive interview with the Inverness Courier last week, Mrs Thomson described the win as ending 10 years of darkness.

But she says she feels her battle is not over after a solicitor acting for dental therapist and tutor Lynne Mackay – one of those accused of pushing her out of her job – threatened her with a cease and desist letter.

“You cannot put me through that and then swan off into the night – the good guy has to win,” Mrs Thomson said.

In November, NHS Highland’s HR director Fiona Hogg said bullying victims would have to take the board to court or an employment tribunal if they wanted to seek compensation.

Mrs Thomson has also submitted a complaint to the General Dental Council against clinical dental director Dr John Lyon, asking it to investigate his conduct throughout her ordeal.

NHS Highland admitted failures relating to Mrs Thomson’s situation and apologised.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More