Dispute cost NHS £350,000

Cancer specialist Helena Daly was suspended in September 1992 but vindicated three years later in a process costing £350,000.

A consultant haematologist at Treliske hospital in Truro, Cornwall, Dr Daly, now in her fifties, faced accusations she was so rude and aggressive to colleagues her department virtually collapsed.

An internal disciplinary hearing in July 1993 upheld 23 allegations of personal misconduct and she was sacked. But she claimed she was suspended after her alleged affair with then hospital chief executive John Saxby ended.

The British Medical Association, 300 patients and 23 consultants backed her, and in May 1995 she won her appeal when Mr Saxby changed sides after suspending her and gave evidence on her behalf. The dispute cost the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust £350,000 - £200,000 legal costs plus Dr Daly's salary of £50,000 a year for three years.