Struck-off Wakefield nurse has decision overturned after eight-year battle
Union vows to fight for compensation after NHS trust “failed her”
A nurse who was struck off after being accused of bullying has been vindicated after an eight-year fight to clear her name.
Matilda Farnell, known as Tilly, was told by the Mid-Yorkshire NHS Trust 2022 that her career was finished following allegations by former colleagues.
But after years of appeals, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) fitness-to-practice committee has finally scrapped the original findings.
UNISON says they will now continue the fight for recompense.
Adrian O’Malley, branch secretary of Mid Yorkshire Health UNISON, said : “Not only should Tilly be able to clear her name, but she should also be compensated for the £1000s in pay and pension she has lost due to her mismanagement by Mid-Yorkshire Trust.
“The trust failed Tilly eight years ago.
“UNISON will be taking legal advice on Tilly’s behalf.
“The nursing managers responsible may no longer be at the trust but lessons have got to be learned to ensure no nurse suffers the indignities suffered by Tilly Farnell.”
Tilly had been accused of bullying, intimidating, making threats and belittling colleagues.
She was employed as a healthcare assistant in the NHS trust's community rapid response team from 2008.
The charges against her rose while she was employed at The Bungalow, a care unit in Castleford.
The Trust dismissed and reinstated her in 2019 and by mutual agreement, she resigned and successfully sought employment elsewhere.
Eight of her former colleagues spoke out against her, which eventually led to her being struck off in 2022.
Following two High Court and three NMC hearings, earlier this month the committee finally found “no case to answer”.
There was found to be conflicting reports by witnesses and in some instances, a lack of evidence.
Mr O’Malley added: “Tilly was a victim of bullying, she was not the perpetrator. She wants her name cleared in the eyes of the public not just by the NMC.”
The Mid-Yorkshire NHS Trust was approached but did not wish to comment.