Last updated 19:57, Thursday, 16 October 2008

A HOSPITAL chief accused of assaulting a senior nurse and telling her she did not fit in because of her race has issued an outright denial.

North Cumbria’s former director of nursing, Bruce Skilbeck, took to the witness stand at a tribunal into claims by former assistant Sarina Saiger that he told her she was the “wrong colour and culture” for Cumbria. She also alleges he physically assaulted her.

The accusations are part of a claim against North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the West Cumberland Hospital.

Dr Saiger, who worked for the trust from June 2005 to May this year, claims bosses subjected her to racial discrimination, harassment, victimisation and unfair dismissal.

Now in its sixth week, the tribunal in Newcastle heard from Mr Skilbeck: “I have never assaulted anyone in my life, let alone in this incident.”

He refuted claims that he made comments about her race.

Shirley Chipperfield, human resources director at the Trust, said there were concerns about Dr Saiger’s behaviour.

She told the hearing that Dr Saiger ignored offers of help and assistance from the trust but admitted that the trust was wrong not to launch disciplinary proceedings against a fellow director after Dr Saiger accused him of assault.

The hearing continues.