BOSSES at University of Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust have expressed "deep regret" at the situation regarding Sue Allison.

While the trust has said it does not use "gagging clauses", and has not done so since 2013 following government advice, it has admitted that confidentiality agreements have been made with employees in relation to severance deals between 2015 and 2017.

This was confirmed in 2018 by the trust following a Freedom of Information Act request.

David Walker, medical director at UHMBT, said: “The safety and care of our patients is our absolute priority.

We strongly encourage all staff to come forward if they think patients or staff may be at risk.

“This is a really important part of our culture as an organisation – and is evidenced by the fact that we were one of the first trust’s to appoint a full time Freedom to Speak Up Guardian – so that if anyone has any concerns they do not feel they can raise with their manger, there is someone they can speak to who will help to resolve the issue.

“All the concerns raised by Sue Allison were thoroughly investigated at the time. As with every such investigation, opportunities for the trust to improve its practice were identified and action was taken to address this.

“The trust does not use “gagging clauses” that prevent employees or ex-employees speaking out about patient safety or patient care – and has not done so since 2013 when the revised guidance was issued by the Secretary of State.

“It is, of course, a matter of deep regret that any colleague would feel unable to resolve matters with the trust and despite our best efforts to resolve this case we note that there are current Employment Tribunal proceedings listed.

"The trust continues with its internal processes to support Mrs Allison at this time.”