A hospital whistleblower has warned NHS staff will be too scared to reveal irregularities at work if an employment tribunal this week rules against him.

Worcester Park man Ian Perkin, 52, who is claiming unfair dismissal against St George's Hospital, Tooting, was due to give evidence at the tribunal in Croydon this week in a bid to be reinstated to his former job.

He was sacked as finance director last year after bosses criticised his management style, although Mr Perkin insists the real reason was his revelations that figures for cancelled operations had been deliberately "fiddled".

Speaking outside the tribunal on Friday, Mr Perkin said: "If I win this case it will act as a beacon for people in similar situations. It will show that you can tell the truth in the NHS and remain in your job.

"If I lose however, you will never get anyone telling the truth because they will be afraid of losing their jobs just for speaking out."

The comments came shortly after St George's Healthcare Trust chairman Catherine McLoughlin was grilled during the tribunal over the procedures followed leading to Mr Perkin's dismissal.

These included accusations that contrary to NHS guidelines the disciplinary hearing had not been independently carried out, that a right of appeal had been denied and that Mr Perkin had received no written warnings about his

behaviour prior to his dismissal.

Ms McLoughlin said: "He had an inability to form working relationships and the organisation had lost trust in him, which made it extremely difficult for St George's to work with outside organisations.

"There was nothing on file but there had been discussions with various stakeholders about his management style."

Ms McLoughlin defended the decision not to have an independent disciplinary hearing by claiming the NHS guidelines were in consultation stage only.

However, she was criticised for her decision not to allow Mr Perkin to make a tape recording of his hearing or for refusing a request to allow an independent note-taker to sit in. She also maintained there was nothing questionable about denying a request for an appeal.

Mr Perkin was due to give

his evidence earlier this week and the tribunal is due to

end today.

May 1, 2003 10:00