An NHS surgeon’s career is on the line after he referred to the his junior Asian colleagues as “sub-continent elements” in a staff meeting. Peter Hale, 58, who was the clinical director the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust was sacked following the remarks.
Peter Hale, claimed the three Pakistani doctors and an Indian medic who worked under him were “their own worst enemy”. Hale’s comments was recorded accidentally after a mobile phone use to record the meeting was left turned on, capturing the candid remarks. He said, “Some of these sub-continent elements, what you end up with is long-term resentments and grievances and all sorts of stuff. They are their own worst enemies. They don't know what they want…They’re an unbelievable group of people. Vile actually.”
The remark was prompted after the four men claimed there were being treated “like slaves”. After the men left the meeting following a heated exchange regarding rota allocations, Mr Hale commented on one of the Asian doctors, “Chill pill? He needs a good slap.”
In front of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester, Mr Hale admitted to making the comments but denied prejudice. The trial continues.
