Superbug hospital chief launches appeal

The hospital boss at the centre of Britain's worst ever bug outbreak in which 90 people died has lodged an appeal after losing her recent court case, it was revealed today.

Last month Rose Gibb was denied a £175,000 severance deal after a High Court judge rejected her claim for breach of contract against her former employer, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust in Kent.

Jon Restell, chief executive of Ms Gibb's union, Managers in Partnership, said Ms Gibb would also be taking her case to an employment tribunal.

He said: "We have taken advice from leading counsel and there are strong grounds for appeal. The next step is to ask the Court of Appeal for leave to appeal.

"This is all going to take time. Separately, we are also bringing a claim in the employment tribunal.

"We can't say any more at the moment about the grounds of appeal but will release further information in due course."

Ms Gibb left her £150,000-a-year post as chief executive of the Trust in October 2007, days before a highly critical report was published on the spread of clostridium difficile on overcrowded and dirty wards.

Because she left her post by mutual agreement, she was in line for a £250,000 severance package consisting of £175,000 compensation and £75,000 notice pay.

The payment was blocked by the Department of Health after a public outcry, although she eventually received the notice money.