Latest news with #toxicCulture
CNN
4 days ago
- CNN
Why France is being forced to reckon with its toxic kitchen culture
Food & drinkFacebookTweetLink Follow Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. Every year after the Michelin guide announces its selection of starred restaurants in France, journalist Nora Bouazzouni receives a flurry of angry and resentful messages. It's become an unexpected consequence of her burgeoning reputation as one of the most influential whistleblowers of France's restaurant industry. The messages come from despondent restaurant staff, livid at seeing abusive, toxic chefs who have made their lives hell elevated to hero status with the awarding of one of the highest accolades in the industry. 'It's really the straw that breaks the camel's back,' Bouazzouni tells CNN. Since 2017, the French food journalist has reported on toxic restaurant culture in kitchens across France. But it was her latest book 'Violence in the Kitchen' published in May, that blew the lid off the story, exposing the extent of physical, emotional and psychological abuse in kitchens across France: open secrets in the industry, little-known to the general French public. Through testimonies collected from industry workers since 2020, the book recounts chefs erupting in violent tantrums, burning staff deliberately or throwing pans in their faces if they make a mistake during service. For people of color, it's putting up with race-based harassment and being exploited and mistreated. For women, it's being constantly sexualized, be it hands patting their bottoms every day, lewd remarks on their appearance and, in a more serious case, rape in a walk-in cooler by a colleague. In short, few emerge unscathed. 'The testimonies that struck me the most were those that very quickly aimed to dehumanize people in the kitchen,' Bouazzouni says. 'Because it's by dehumanizing people in the kitchen that they can be exploited.' Toxic kitchen culture is hardly unique to France and has been exposed and denounced for years in Anglophone and European countries. But Bouazzouni's work has helped spark a national reckoning in France and has reached the ears of the country's top lawmakers: On July 7, a motion to create a commission of inquiry into violence in the kitchen was tabled in the French National Assembly. 'Indeed, behind the smooth and idealized images of the profession as presented in various entertainment programs hides a rigid, almost military and brutal hierarchical organization,' the motion reads. 'The working conditions of the kitchen 'brigades' are often degrading, stressful, even violent. Yet silence reigns…' The mention of the 'military and brutal hierarchical organization' is noteworthy as it refers to the system codified by French chef, restaurateur and writer August Escoffier in the late 19th century. Inspired by his time in the military, the kitchen brigade, as it's known, was modeled after the army, in which rank and hierarchy determines the chain of command. At the top of the food chain are the chef de cuisine and sous-chef, followed by the chefs de partie, who are responsible for specific stations (sauces, seafood, cold dishes and so on), junior cooks or commis and trainees. Both Escoffier and the precision of the professional restaurant kitchen that he inspired are revered in French culture. But in many ways, it's this top-down organization that has facilitated toxic kitchen culture, allowing chefs to abuse their staff with impunity, Bouazzouni points out. What's more, the kitchen brigade system has been exported and duplicated in fine dining and hotel kitchens around the world by the legions of international chefs who have come to train in the birthplace of haute gastronomy throughout the decades. 'When foreign chefs come to learn in France, either in schools, or in internships, they go back to work in other countries and continue to export this way of doing things,' Bouazzouni says. In other words, it's a vicious cycle. But how do you undo a century-old French system that is replicated in kitchens around the world? While male-dominated kitchens and high-pressure situations have long been known to contribute to toxic work environments, a 2021 paper published in the Journal of Management Studies offered up one compelling, but simple solution: create more open kitchens. For the study, researchers from Cardiff University concluded that the unique working environment of fine dining kitchens – isolated, closed, hidden spaces, far from the public eye – comes with a sense of freedom from scrutiny, where regular rules don't apply. 'What surprised us in our study was the importance of where chefs worked in the context of cultures of bullying, violence and aggression. The kitchen environment effectively became a different moral universe for them,' lead researcher Robin Burrow said in a press release. The study was based on interviews with 47 chefs from fine dining restaurants around the world. The cult of celebrity chefdom in France has also contributed to the code of silence that has long muzzled victims. Top chefs are often lionized in long, fawning profiles, documentaries and cooking shows which makes them 'untouchable,' Bouazzouni says, adding that the food media bears much responsibility for feeding the 'mythology' of French gastronomy. But over the last five years, the post-pandemic world has flipped the script. France is no exception to the labor shortage and the 'Great Resignation' phenomenon driven by overworked, disgruntled employees and younger generations in Western Anglophone countries. Today, 300,000 positions in France's restaurant and hospitality industry remain to be filled, says Thierry Marx, president of France's Union of Hotel Trades and Industries (UMIH). While an average of five new restaurants open every day, 23 restaurants close their doors permanently. Marx, who runs 10 high-end restaurants in Japan and France including the Michelin-starred restaurant Onor and the Restaurant Madame Brasserie at the Eiffel Tower, explains that the brigade system is necessary for delegating tasks and maximizing efficiency in stressful, high-pressure environments. But he also acknowledged that the system can be flawed, pointing out that the best chefs don't necessarily make the best leaders. 'I think we need to add management courses and admit that being competent in a professional technique doesn't necessarily give you managerial know-how,' Marx said. 'And it doesn't mean you can behave like an executioner.' Over the last few years, the emergence of both the #metoo movement in cinema and of younger generations who are more likely to push back against abuse has helped advance the discourse on creating safe kitchens in France. Since 2021, a non-profit association Bondir.e, founded by female French chefs, has organized violence prevention seminars in culinary and hospitality schools in a bid to raise awareness early and break the cycle of violence. That's because in France enrollment in vocational schools can start with students as young as 15, an age when teenagers are still highly impressionable and easy to indoctrinate. 'When you're 15, you're still a child,' says Bondir.e spokesperson Vittoria Nardone. 'You don't know what work is, but you're confronted with violence where strict rules are imposed. You're told that suffering is normal and a necessary part of success. When you're 15 and that's the only example you have to go on, it's easy to accept.' The group has also set up a helpline to support victims of violence in the kitchen and offers professional training courses on communication and management in the kitchen. Both Nardone and Bouazzouni emphasize that while vulnerable individuals and minority groups are easy targets, violence and abuse can be perpetrated by both men and women of all ages, and within all ranks. One of the group's founding chefs, Manon Fleury, 34, has since gone on to open her own restaurant, Datil in Paris, which holds a Michelin star. As the boss, Fleury has made efforts to run her ship differently than her predecessors: the restaurant is closed weekends to promote work-life balance. All new staff are given a code of conduct charter that emphasizes mutual respect and a spirit of collaboration, and leadership training is provided for managers. Communication is also a key part of the workplace, with pre- and post-service briefings and monthly one-on-one meetings. The restaurant is also female-led. 'When I opened my restaurant, I wanted to put women in positions of responsibility. My goal was to set an example, to show that women can and want to hold these positions,' Fleury said in a statement. '…At Datil, there are men in the dining room and kitchen, but all the management positions are held by women.' Marx acknowledges that times have changed: workers hold more leverage and have different relationships to work. 'Bad management is a fear reflex,' he said. 'Falling on the most fragile, that doesn't work anymore.'
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Top CEO suddenly LEAVES World Vision after probe into bullying claims
The boss of Australia's biggest charity will part ways with the company after a string of allegations, including bullying, were levelled against him. World Vision Australia told staff on Wednesday it would not be extending the contract of its embattled chief executive, Daniel Wordsworth. It comes after Mr Wordsworth was confirmed as the subject of a number of alleged bullying complaints that were independently investigated by the charity. A source from World Vision Australia told Daily Mail Australia that investigations had been ongoing for about 18 months. They said none of the complaints were deemed necessary to be taken further, except for one that remained under investigation. According to the Fair Work Commission's website, Mr Wordsworth has initiated an adverse action claim against the charity which is listed for a conference on Monday. Former employees have described the charity as having a 'toxic' workplace culture plagued by bullying and a lack of protections for staff. One ex-employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the ABC that a number of their colleagues were 'bullied out of the building', including themselves. 'Managers either couldn't or wouldn't protect their staff,' they said. Mike Bruce, who served as World Vision's media manager from November 2019 to July 2022, said the company's culture did not align with its charitable goals. 'I reluctantly left WV over what I felt to be a culture of toxic and autocratic management that was at odds with a faith-based charity like World Vision,' he said. It is understood the charity has recently undergone a restructure, including several redundancies, and that all staff were given the opportunity to participate in the investigative process. A World Vision spokesperson confirmed Mr Wordsworth's contract had not been extended by the board, which would now 'seek fresh leadership'. 'As CEO, Daniel steered the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic and the response to humanitarian crises and conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine,' they said. 'The Board will shortly commence the search for Daniel's replacement.' Mr Wordsworth was still listed as chief executive on the World Vision website at the time of publishing. Born in Tamworth, in northeastern New South Wales, Mr Wordsworth began his career in the Royal Australian Navy. He landed the top job in 2021 after 25 years of working in conflict hotspots across South East Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He said he felt 'compelled and called' to work with World Vision when he was announced as the charity's chief executive. Prior to joining World Vision, he served as the chief executive for US-based charity Alight and led emergency response for the Christian Children's Fund. In December, he told Sky News Australia he had decided to commit his life to charity work after deciding he wanted to live a 'worthy life' at the age of 20. 'What will I think was a worthy life? At the time, I thought helping poor people and helping people who are struggling would be a worthy life,' he said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Wordsworth for comment.
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC Breakfast's toxic feud 'exposed': Bullying probe is branded 'the tip of the iceberg' with star Naga Munchetty 'at her wits end' as crisis-hit show is 'torn apart by backstage tensions'
The extent of the toxic feud that's torn apart BBC Breakfast has reportedly been revealed, with sources branding the show's bullying probe 'the tip of the iceberg.' On Monday it was claimed that a bullying probe had been launched into the crisis-hit show, with much of the upset centred around its bullish editor Richard Frediani. It's being claimed by The Sun that tensions between two of Breakfast's hosts, Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, are threatening to explode, due to their opposing views behind the scenes. It's thought that the show's staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around boss Frediani if they are not a person he favours, and host Naga is reportedly 'at her wits end' over the tensions. Sources also claim that Frediani feels he is 'untouchable' after the show scooped a BAFTA Television Award in May. It's also being claimed that some staff avoid being left alone with him following an allegation last year that he physically shook a lower-ranking female editor, with the complaint upheld following a BBC investigation. A source said: 'The probe into Fredi's bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast. In reality, the smiles on the red sofa mask growing tension and an increasingly toxic culture, driven from the top down, with its unwitting presenters at the heart. 'Naga is incredibly approachable and friendly to everyone on set. Charlie is very professional and tries to disengage from any politics. But some stars, like Sally Nugent, are loved by Fredi, whereas others, like Naga and Charlie, are not. 'Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you're on the wrong side of him.' The source went onto claim that some younger staff are choosing to 'keep their heads down and weather the storm' due to fears for their jobs. A BBC spokesperson told the publication: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. 'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' It's thought that Naga is 'at her wits end' over the tensions, and given she is known for supporting younger journalists backstage, is frustrated with how the toxic atmosphere is being tolerated. In a recent interview, Naga insisted she and Charlie, who host Breakfast from Thursday to Saturday, were 'good friends', amid reports they had fallen out. MailOnline has contacted the BBC for further comment. It comes following reports that the BBC launched a bullying probe into the flagship Breakfast show, with the investigation set to look into claims dating back as far as 2019. A source told The Sun: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture. Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy'. 'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head'. 'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom'. They went on to claim that some believe Fredani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job others think his methods are 'too tough' for 2025. It comes following a difficult few years for the BBC, with Huw Edwards pleading guilty to having indecent images of children, Jermaine Jenas axed after a sexting scandal and Gary Linekar axed over Anti Semitism claims. An insider told MailOnline in April that Munchetty is 'quite open' about her ill-feeling towards Frediani. Another said that she has an 'uneasy relationship' with him. The Mail revealed that displeasure was intensifying at the BBC's northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani's rise - from Breakfast boss to arguably the most powerful BBC editor outside London - with growing disbelief. One said: 'You have to wonder what on earth is going on. The BBC claims to be this no-nonsense, woke, kind place - yet Fredi has been able to keep climbing the ladder. HR and his bosses are aware of [past] bullying claims against him. 'He's still allowed to hire, as we saw with Nina [Warhurst, who has just been appointed a regular presenter] this week, and presumably fire. He has so much power, it doesn't feel right at all.' The ordeal began, when media and entertainment industry news site Deadline alleged that Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming that the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange last year. Others also came forward with their experiences. One person claimed to have witnessed an incident in 2019, during which a 'clearly angry' Richard backed a Breakfast colleague up against a wall and was 'jabbing his finger' as he voiced displeasure about that morning's show. The website reports that two sources alleged that Frediani is also known for 'screaming' down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about the quality of content they hand over to the Breakfast show. Whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed is not known. There was widespread internal dissatisfaction with Frediani in 2020, less than a year into his reign as editor of BBC Breakfast, after he was poached from ITV News. During the pandemic, MailOnline's Katie Hind was inundated with anonymous emails from staff at BBC Breakfast which said a series of complaints have been made to the corporation's management and its HR department about an 'intimidating and bullying' culture, which had led to long-term members of staff leaving their jobs. One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said 'the whole atmosphere has become poisonous' and like a 'boys' club'. Again, it is unclear whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed. After the story was published in The Mail on Sunday, a number of people who had worked with Frediani got in. They said he was unpleasant to them during his tenure at ITV where he served as head of news. They were devastated - but not surprised - to hear that there were allegations that he had gone on to behave 'aggressively' in his new role. One wrote: 'I read your piece about Richard Frediani, recognising a lot of his character. I and others who suffered under him at ITV expected this would happen.' So why, despite these claims about his behaviour at work, did Frediani continue to rise through the ranks? The answer appears to lie with the Beeb's current chief executive of news, Deborah Turness. As CEO of ITN until 2022, she was Frediani's boss and they latterly joined up again when she joined the corporation. Sources at the BBC say she was 'involved' in his rise to become the boss of News at One - though senior sources at the Corporation strongly deny it, insisting it was not a promotion but an addition to his existing job. The BBC would not answer questions over whether he'd had a pay rise. BBC Breakfast staff have said that they are far from happy that Turness is still backing Frediani. 'There is no way she hasn't heard what we have all heard,' says one insider. 'It was written about as far back as 2020 so surely she must have seen that.' Tim Davie, the director-general, has said he wants the management consultancy leading the review to make practical recommendations about how managers can create a culture where there is 'zero tolerance' for wrongdoing. The BBC said that it did not comment on individual HR issues. However, it stressed that the welfare of its employees takes priority, and it takes any complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously. After allegations about Frediani's behaviour were made, staff at Breakfast and News at One were emailed by John McAndrew, BBC News director of programmes, to remind them about the corporation's approach to complaints of wrongdoing. 'With regard to culture and behaviour - and this stands for all of our teams across the organisation - please be assured that if, or when, any allegations of any inappropriate behaviour come to me, they will be taken seriously, comprehensively investigated, and if upheld, action will be taken,' he wrote. Yet staff say this message is hard to take seriously.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Toxic feud destroying BBC Breakfast EXPOSED with bullying probe ‘tip of the iceberg' & Naga Munchetty at ‘her wits end'
THE toxic feud ripping apart BBC Breakfast can today be exposed in full – after The Sun revealed the show was facing a bullying probe. Tension between presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt are threatening to combust over opposing views behind the scenes. 5 And workers feel uneasy around the programme's 'draconian' boss Richard Frediani if they are not in his clique — with Naga 'at her wits' end' over allegations of toxicity. Many fear that Frediani, known as Fredi, feels he is 'untouchable' after helping the show win a Bafta TV Award last month. And it was claimed some staff now avoid being left alone with him following an allegation last year that he physically shook a lower-ranking female editor. The complaint was upheld after a BBC investigation. The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them. A source said: 'The probe into Fredi's bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast. 'In reality, the smiles on the red sofa mask growing tension and an increasingly toxic culture, driven from the top down, with its unwitting presenters at the heart. 'Naga is incredibly approachable and friendly to everyone on set. 'Charlie is very professional and tries to disengage from any politics. 'But some stars, like Sally Nugent, are loved by Fredi, whereas others, like Naga and Charlie, are not. Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV 'Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you're on the wrong side of him.' A BBC spokesperson said of the claims: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. 'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' But the source said: 'With advertising revenues plummeting across commercial terrestrial telly, some younger members of staff feel like they have no alternative but to keep their heads down and try to weather the storm.' Naga, 50, is said to be at the 'end of her tether' with Frediani and the fractious working environment. Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways A source She is known for working backstage to support younger journalists, especially women, and is believed to be frustrated that others accept the 'toxicity as the status quo'. Meanwhile, it is claimed Charlie, 62, takes a more laidback approach and 'films his scenes then leaves'. The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday, whilst Jon Kay and Sally Nugent cover the rest of the week. A source added: 'Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways. 'She is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong and has spoken to people who are unhappy — and is always trying to help others behind the scenes. 'Everyone feels like unless you're in Fredi's circle of favourites, you're likely to get a rough ride.' In a recent interview, Naga insisted she and Charlie were 'good friends' amid reports they had fallen out. The Sun yesterday told how the BBC had launched an investigation into their flagship programme following claims of bullying. 5 It is understood the probe will take in historical allegations against Frediani, and complaints dating back to 2019. A source added: 'The BBC are keen to stress this is more of an informal probe than a formal investigation involving external lawyers. In which case, when it is widely known how unhappy staff have been, past and present, why are the Corporation relying solely on HR execs to come to a resolution? 'Given everything that has happened these past 18 months, it seems a strange move.' Within hours of our story breaking, viewers were taking to X to question why the reported fallout had not featured in the show's newspaper review. And there were calls for Frediani to be axed. A whistleblower who previously worked with Frediani at both ITV and the Beeb also messaged to describe him as a 'bullying menace'. BBC Breakfast deputy editor Liam Blyth has been holding sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review. The meetings are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast. It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One led to a formal grievance last year. Accusers claimed they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person is said to have witnessed Frediani walking out of the production gallery and kicking a bin. In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook the lower-ranking female editor, with the complaint upheld. The Sun has learned that the events have allegedly left staff 'living in fear' of Fredi. One source said: 'It's got so bad that people don't really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat. 'It's an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints. 'Bit of a perfectionist' 'People want to feel like there are witnesses present and there is safety in numbers. 'With the whole production up in Manchester, too, there's a disconnect from HQ.' Another insider added: 'Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. 'He is very cerebral, but also quite aggressive in his methods. 'Some think a recent promotion has gone to his head. 'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. 'The probe has really divided the newsroom. 'There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results. 'Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.' It is the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw shamed newsreader Huw Edwards arrested, Strictly Come Dancing pros under investigation and Match Of The Day star Jermaine Jenas axed for 'inappropriate' behaviour. Just a month ago, Frediani was pictured proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal. Crew feel the win has only heightened his behaviour as he is considered to be 'untouchable'. 5 5 Cuts across the TV industry have also left personnel worried about whether they would find work elsewhere if they spoke up and were axed, or chose to quit. A source said: 'The majority feel there is no point in speaking up because Fredi is untouchable. 'Many staffers feel trapped because of the TV world shrinking. 'They're scrambling to stay in their jobs because, if they leave now and can't pivot into another role, they'll be another person in TV out of work. 'They're looking over at the ITV bloodbath — usually ITV would be where they'd go next — but now they can't even go there. 'Many staff relocated up to Manchester to work on the show, so there's that added complication, too.' A BBC insider who has defended Frediani said: 'Yes, he is a bit of a perfectionist, but he is very well liked by many. 'He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.' Last month, ITV announced a raft of swinging cuts to daytime shows Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning. More than 220 jobs will be axed, while Loose Women and Lorraine's schedules will be slashed.
Irish Times
04-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Children's Health Ireland report referred to gardaí
A report on waiting list irregularities and a 'toxic' work culture at a hospital run by Children's Health Ireland (CHI) is to be referred to gardaí , the Cabinet committee on health has been told. The report, which not been published but has been widely reported in some media outlets, has caused shock in Government over the past week. The revelations come after a series of scandals in CHI, which is due to run the new national children's hospital when it opens. The Cabinet committee on health was told on Wednesday that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has referred the report to the Garda with a view to it being assessed for a possible investigation. READ MORE The meeting was attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin , Tánaiste Simon Harris , Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers and Minister for Children Norma Foley. [ Audit of CHI waiting lists ordered to ensure productivity in public hospitals, Minister for Health says Opens in new window ] The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), which buys treatments in the public and private sectors for patients on long waiting lists, has said it will pause funding for CHI while potential irregularities are investigated. Ms Carroll MacNeill has assured parents scheduled surgeries will not be delayed. Earlier this week, The Irish Times reported further findings, including about reports of a 'toxic' work culture in parts of a CHI hospital, where there were complaints of bullying and victimisation of trainees, and where one consultant had taken proceedings for defamation against another. The CHI internal report was drawn up in late 2021/early 2022 but was not given to the then minister for health, the HSE or the NTPF. The report found CHI had a 'broken culture' created by dysfunctional relationships and challenging behaviour. It said there were also concerns about management of NTPF funding and a lack of oversight of access initiatives that ultimately were not in keeping with a memorandum of understanding between CHI and the NTPF. [ CHI consultant at centre of review did not fulfil on-call hours for three years due to 'health issues' Opens in new window ] The report raised concerns about five special weekend out-patient clinics for 179 children carried out by a consultant. These were funded by the NTPF. The consultant received €35,800 for seeing these patients at the special out-patient clinics that operated over five Saturdays. The report questioned whether these clinics were needed and suggested the patients could have been treated by other doctors in the public system. On Tuesday the NTPF suspended payments on a temporary basis pending an investigation into the operation of the waiting list schemes in CHI. According to the report, which CHI said it cannot publish for legal reasons, the consultant was indefinitely removed from on-call duty for 'health reasons' in 2019, a commitment under his public contract. CHI hired a locum to fill these hours, spending about €450,000 on the locum between 2019 and when the review took place in 2021. The report said : 'It needs to be explored how one consultant can undertake a series of NTPF-funded clinics over numerous Saturdays and during these clinics see a much greater number of patients than they are able to see in their routine public clinics, working at a very fast pace with significant throughput – a substantial undertaking of additional work, yet is unfit for any on-call duties for the past three years.' The NTPF-funded clinics were not sought by or offered to any of the other eight general surgeons in CHI, it said . In a statement earlier this week, CHI said the NTPF-funded clinics were a waiting-list initiative and were 'over and above the consultant's contractual hours'.
