Birmingham hospital whistleblower receives hate mail

A culture of bullying and fear was uncovered at hospitals in Birmingham following a BBC investigation

A whistleblower who exposed a toxic culture at hospitals in Birmingham has revealed he has been sent hate mail to his workplace in Greece.

Dr Emmanouil Nikolousis was among three doctors who said they were victimised for raising concerns about safety.

Three investigations into University Hospitals Birmingham were launched which found serious problems with the management style at the trust.

Dr Nikolousis said he had reported the letter to West Midlands Police.

The medic, who raised concerns regarding the deaths of 20 patients in the haematology department, said the letter was sent from Birmingham in August but he had only just received it.

He said it contained racist and threatening remarks and was addressed to the department where he now works in Athens.

Dr Manos Nikolousis was one of three whistleblowers who drew attention to the issues at UHB

A spokesperson for University Hospital Birmingham said the trust had no idea who sent the letter but that it did not condone the behaviour.

"It is right that Dr Nikolousis has reported this matter to the police and we will support any investigation. We have responded to him directly," the spokesperson said.

The chair of Birmingham Healthwatch, Richard Burden, called it a vile and racist attack on a whistleblower who played an important role in uncovering serious problems.

He said: "Manos and his fellow whistleblowers deserve thanks, not abuse. Healthwatch unequivocally condemns this letter and whoever sent it."