NHS Doctor’s Racism Claims Dismissed by Employment Tribunal

An NHS doctor has unsuccessfully pursued claims of race discrimination and whistleblowing against his employer following his suspension for alleged misconduct, as an employment tribunal revealed. Dr. Christopher Oyediran, who had been working with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, was reportedly suspended for being “extraordinarily lazy” and exhibiting unprofessional behavior during his shifts, according to tribunal testimonies.

Dr. Oyediran, aged 36, faced suspension from locum shifts after multiple complaints concerning his conduct emerged. It was alleged that he often “disappeared” during shifts, sometimes for as long as four hours, and was frequently “late,” missing critical handovers. Colleagues described him as “difficult to contact” with a “verbally aggressive attitude” towards staff. These issues reportedly led to his initial suspension from any further shifts at the trust pending an investigation into his conduct.

The tribunal, held in Nottingham, heard that Dr. Oyediran had been associated with the trust since 2013, left in 2017, and had returned to work as a locum doctor at both the Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in early 2020. Concerns about his performance resurfaced in July 2021, specifically highlighting his tardiness, dismissive interactions with his colleagues, and lack of presence in crucial clinical areas. Instances were also cited where he instructed junior doctors not to contact him unless absolutely necessary.

Further reports in August 2021 accused Dr. Oyediran of leaving during a night shift around 4:30 am and reportedly not being seen thereafter. Consequently, he requested a pay rise and promotion in September 2021, which were not granted due to ongoing concerns about his workplace behavior and ethics.

The tribunal disclosed a series of accusations against him, describing recurrent themes of avoidance of duties, reluctance to undertake simple tasks, and an uncooperative stance during investigations. In December 2021, amid mounting complaints, Dr. Oyediran went off sick and later chose not to engage with the ongoing investigation, eventually suggesting to his bosses that it might be “best for everyone” if he moved on.

In February 2022, legal representatives for Dr. Oyediran contacted the trust, alleging whistleblowing and race discrimination. Nonetheless, the employment tribunal, presided over by Judge Michael Butler, dismissed all claims, determining that there was no evidence to support the allegations of racial discrimination.

Judge Butler noted, “It is our view that there is no evidence at all that race played any part in the trust’s decision to cancel his shifts pending an investigation into the complaints against him.” The tribunal unanimously concluded that the trust acted appropriately, ordering Dr. Oyediran to cover £20,000 in legal costs incurred by the NHS Trust.