Doncaster doctor who raised concerns of bullying and harassment at DRI is fired

Last year, it was revealed there was a “culture of bullying” at the hospital with a probe by the doctors’ union, the British Medical Association launched after fed-up staff lifted the lid on life within the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Tim Noble, who had been excluded from his role as medical director since September 2024 and had flagged up concerns about bullying and harassment and “ toxic culture,” has now been dismissed, the Trust has announced.

In a letter sent to staff and seen by the Free Press, Mark Bailey, interim chair of the board at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I want to update you on the conclusion of a sensitive and complex matter that has been ongoing within the Trust since late 2023.

"After a full and independent process, a decision has been made to dismiss Executive Medical Director, Dr Tim Noble, from the organisation with immediate effect.

"Until now, we haven’t commented publicly. That was to protect the fairness of the process and the privacy of everyone involved.

“This decision follows an exhaustive, multi-stage process in line with Trust policies, NHS guidance and employment law.

"At every step, the aim was to make sure the process was fair, carefully handled, and independent.

"To this end, a panel with no previous connection to the matter, the organisation, or those involved, reviewed the facts and made an impartial, dispassionate judgment without fear or favour.

"The outcome reflects the full findings of that independent process, recommendation and the conclusion that the employment relationship had broken down irreparably.

"At a senior level, where trust and alignment are critical, that breakdown meant the situation, unfortunately, was no longer compatible with the responsibilities of leadership or the working environment required to both support and direct the delivery of safe, effective care for our patients and communities.

"We want to recognise Dr Noble's contribution since joining the Trust in 2006. We are grateful for his service, and it is a matter of real regret that this could not be resolved differently.

"For now, our interim leadership arrangements will remain in place. In due course, we will begin a full recruitment process in line with our established procedures.

“This matter is now closed, and no further comment will be made.

“We ask everyone to treat the situation with the professionalism, care and respect it deserves.

“Thank you for everything you do. It’s your professionalism, kindness and shared values that help the Trust move forward with care and confidence.”

Last year, The Health Service Journal reported that the BMA claimed his exclusion was unlawful as he had been prevented from returning to work.

It reported: "The union, and some other doctors at the trust, told HSJ Dr Noble’s situation reflected a wider leadership and culture problem at DBTH.”

Shazia Karim, BMA head of region for Yorkshire and North East, told HSJ: “It is wholly unacceptable for this to happen to a senior doctor who has served the trust for almost 20 years and has raised concerns in the public interest about bullying and harassment. It reflects a toxic culture within the trust that must be addressed.

“We believe his case exemplifies a disturbing pattern: when concerns about poor behaviour are raised, the trust responds not with openness but with disciplinary threats and attempts to silence.”

Ms Karim said there were “concerns across the trust regarding bullying and the loss of experienced and capable senior staff”, and “a growing and widespread loss of confidence in the trust’s senior leadership”.

Dr Noble was appointed in 2020 as medical director and information released at the time said: “The Medical Director is an incredibly important position within the Trust.

"As an executive director, the post-holder is responsible for the successful delivery of high quality patient care and treatment, and provides leadership to the organisation’s 600 medical, dental and surgical colleagues.”

Previously one of the Trust’s Deputy Medical Directors, he also oversaw the hospitals’ respiratory medicine service, as well as undertaking two Clinical Director posts from 2010 through to 2017.

He first started his career at DBTH in 2006 as a Consultant Respiratory Physician.

Last year, an unnamed medic lifted the lid on life at the Armthorpe Road hospital, saying: “I, like many other staff, am desperately concerned about the future of our hospitals under the current leadership.

"Sadly, there is a culture of bullying at Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust.

"This has resulted in a high turnover of staff at a senior level, including executives, their deputies, managers and senior nurses.

"The treatment of some of these staff members has been appalling and has had a lasting effect on their mental health.”

The medic added: “There is a freedom to speak up process for staff to raise concerns about issues such as bullying, but many staff have found this ineffective.”

The whistle blower added: “Consultants are becoming increasingly frustrated. Many are thinking of leaving and some have already applied for positions elsewhere.

"We cannot afford to lose doctors. It will have a detrimental effect on patient care.”

An email from the British Medical Assocation which was reportedly sent to more than 400 staff and was seen by the Free Press said it was investigating claims of “bullying and harassment.”

It said: “Unfortunately, as is often seen within the NHS, those that speak up can find they are victimised for doing so.”

"We have a collective responsibility here to speak up and have a unified approach to eradicating bullying and harassment of this nature.”

At the time, a spokesperson at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals said: “As a Trust, we take any allegations of bullying or inappropriate behaviour extremely seriously. It would not be appropriate to comment on any specific individual cases.”