Sacked nurse takes case to Europe

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/7096036.stm

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A psychiatric nurse who was sacked for gross misconduct is planning to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Karen Reissmann, who was suspended in June, was found guilty of gross misconduct by Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust on 5 November.

She claims she was sacked for bringing the trust into disrepute by criticising cuts in mental health services.

The trust said it would co-operate with any plan to lodge an appeal.

Trust picketed

A spokesman added: "Ms Reissmann was sacked for gross misconduct after a full examination of the facts in a formal disciplinary hearing.

"We are aware of her decision to appeal against the findings and to take the matter further. The trust will co-operate fully with any future process."

Since Ms Reissmann was sacked, about 150 of her colleagues have taken industrial action in support of her claim.

They have been picketing outside the trust's headquarters, North Manchester General Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary.

I have a right to tell people when I think that the services that are being re-organised will be worse for patients Karen Reissmann, sacked nurse

Ms Reissmann says her human rights have been breached and claims she will take her case to the European Court of Human Rights unless reinstated.

"Under Section 10 of the human rights act I have a freedom of expression," she said.

"I have a right to tell people when I think that the services that are being re-organised will be worse for patients.

"If a health worker can't speak out, who will?"

Since June, about 700 Unison members have staged a series of strikes over Ms Reissman's suspension.

The trust says contingency plans have been implemented in order to protect patients' safety.