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Background to the Suspension of Dr Raj Mattu
19. On 7 December 2002 Mr Tim Powell, Deputy Director of the Surgical Directorate, without warning sent letters terminating the employment of 3 researchers working for Dr Mattu alleging that there was insufficient money in Dr Mattu's research accounts. This occurred, despite these contracts not being due for renewal, and included a researcher called Dr Shane Gieowarsingh. After protests by Dr Mattu, the Chairman Senior Hospital Medical Staff Committee approached the Director of Finance in support of these researchers, and the Director of Finance subsequently rescinded these and he formally confirmed in writing on 4 February 2002 to Dr Mattu that there was more than sufficient funding to continue their employment, not only to the end of their current annual contract but beyond.
20. During these meetings with the Director of Finance, it was also discovered that a £100,000 grant paid to the Trust for Dr Mattu's research from a charitable organisation, during 2000 & 2001, had failed to appear in Dr Mattu's research accounts. It was also found that the Trust was about to inappropriately withdraw funds from Dr Mattu's research accounts.
21. On 28 January 2002 the new Medical Director (Dr Michael Harrison) eventually wrote to Dr Mattu acknowledging the delay in response to the serious clinical incident report of 21 December 1999, making no reference to others.
22. Over a 20-month period a series of over 20 spurious allegations have been made against Dr Mattu, and all have failed to be upheld when heard before panels comprising his clinical colleagues. His constant victimisation and harassment by the Trust Management led Dr Mattu to raise a formal complaint against Dr Stephen Evans, Consultant Anaesthetist and Clinical Director, and Mr Glen Burley, Directorate Manager of the Surgery Directorate. They both walked out of the Trust inquiry hearing (21st September 2001) and refused to take part, adamant that they did not wish to be cross examined, despite previously agreeing to this process 7 weeks earlier.
23. To date, the Trust has failed to progress this matter and neither Dr Evans nor Mr Burley have been subject to an investigation, suspension or disciplinary action.
24. In contrast, on 21 February 2002, the very afternoon that Professor Liam Donaldson (Chief Medical Officer) declared that no further suspensions of consultants will occur unless there was clear evidence of risk to patients, one of the three Medical Directors (Dr Lionel Booth) and the acting Director of Personnel (Mrs Karen Martin) arrived unannounced at Dr Mattu's office and suspended him on the basis of an allegation of intimidation and harassment by a junior doctor. An attempt was made by Karen Martin to seize Dr Mattu's personal property, including his personal computer. This was unsuccessful. Dr Mattu was then escorted off the premises.
25. Within one hour the contents of Dr Mattu's secretary's computer had been downloaded by the IT department and the locks on his door had been changed. This had been ordered by the Chief Executive.
26. Within one hour Mr Edward Needham, Dr Mattu's Research Assistant, was also suspended by Mr Glen Burley. No reason was given and Mr Needham was instructed to leave the premises forthwith.
On behalf of Dr Raj Mattu Reinstatement Committee,
PO Box 2912, Coventry. CV1 3YX
For more information contact: mail@drmrc.co.uk