A CONSULTANT has taken a health trust to an employment tribunal claiming unfair dismissal and discrimination.

Shirzad Houshian was a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Lewisham Hospital but was sacked in October 2008.

He claims he was dismissed by Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust after he repeatedly complained about poor patient care. He also claims he was discriminated against over his race and religious beliefs.

Mr Houshian reported consultant John Wood for alleged high infection rates when performing knee operations.

He says his complaint was not looked into by medical director Jane Linsell and he was disciplined for raising his concerns.

A tribunal held at Montague Court in West Croydon heard Mr Houshian’s barrister, Andrea Chute, cross-examine Miss Linsell.

Miss Chute said: “Your treatment of Mr Houshian was based on your favouritism to Mr Wood for racist reasons, religious reasons or victimisation because he was a troublemaker whistleblowing.”

Miss Linsell replied: “I strongly refuse that I am racist or anything else. I treated everyone fairly to the best of my ability in my role.”

Miss Chute added: “You let an investigation into Mr Houshian progress even though you knew others had concerns about Mr Wood’s practise.”

The tribunal heard Mr Wood was eventually investigated when another consultant reported him to the General Medical Council.

He has since been stopped from performing knee operations.

The hearing continues.