Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 53/06
Hearing date 2 Aug 2005 - 3 Aug 2005 (2 days)
Determination date 19 April 2006
Member P Montgomery
Representation A McKenzie ; P Shaw
Location Christchurch
Parties Amos v Canterbury District Health Board
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Informal complaints from colleagues of drug use by applicant – Formal investigation initiated - Applicant transferred to different work unit during investigation and ordered to cease overtime and attend professional supervision - Manager reported applicant to New Zealand Nursing Council for suspected drug and alcohol abuse – Respondent decided not to take matter any further – Opportunity to return to original work unit rejected by applicant – Transferred permanently to different unit - Report to Nursing Council before completion of internal investigation was breach of natural justice – Suspension from original work unit during investigation prudent given attitude of other staff but respondent required to ensure no financial detriment to applicant – Respondent not responsible for loss of preferred position in original work unit as offered to support applicant’s return - Employer entitled to investigate later serious allegations - Premature reporting to Nursing Council and financial loss unjustified disadvantage – Loss of preferred position and later investigations not unjustified disadvantage – Length of service not specified - Registered staff nurse
Result Application granted ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($6,000) ; Reimbursement of lost wages (To be calculated) ; Costs reserved
Statutes ERA s123(1)(c)(i);Nurses Act 1977
Number of Pages 4
PDF File Link: ca 53_06.pdf [pdf 24 KB]