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Hospital worker who said she had to put up with 'toxic' behaviour wins €58k

Summary

A Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator awarded Karen McHale, a Mayo University Hospital clerical worker, €58,681.60 for constructive dismissal. The adjudicator found that the hospital's grievance management process was "fundamentally flawed." Ms McHale alleged she was subjected to "toxic behaviour" and was ordered to attend mediation with a colleague without being provided a copy of the grievance he had filed against her. Her barrister, Michael Francis Forde BL, submitted that management sided with the complainant, leaving Ms McHale isolated and bypassed in the reporting structure. The hospital's employee relations manager, Rory Kavanagh, admitted the hospital did not provide the complaint copy but argued Ms McHale failed to exhaust internal avenues before resigning on 17 March 2024. Adjudication officer Conor Stokes rejected this, stating a reasonable employer would have concluded the process was flawed. He determined Ms McHale was left with no option but to resign. The award includes €41,831 for the loss of a pension lump sum following 23 years' service. Ms McHale was represented by Aileen Feely of JV Geary Solicitors.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Hospital worker who said she had to put up with 'toxic' behaviour wins €58k. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 17 March 2024 Other
• 2025-12-12 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report