Campaigners fighting to protect NHS whistleblowers flooded an employment tribunal yesterday in support of a sacked Unison rep.

Charlotte Monro, an occupational therapist and handling co-ordinator at Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone, was dismissed after she addressed the Waltham Forest scrutiny committee in her capacity as a union rep about concerns over the hospital.

Barts Health Trust nursing therapies director Simon ­Ashton was questioned over confidentiality at the hearing at Anchorage House in east London yesterday.

But he could not confirm why an an investigation report represented at Ms Munro’s disciplinary hearing had been changed.

The legal team for Ms Monro also claimed that a previous issue that occurred earlier had only been raised after she had spoken out in public to the scrutiny committee.

Retired GP Dr Ron Singer, one of more than 50 protesters outside the hearing, said: “Our campaign here is to support Charlotte Monro, who has suffered personal victimisation for trying to support the NHS.

“Her treatment is symptomatic of the bullying of staff working in the NHS, who are trying to do their best for patients, while government cuts budgets.

“It is not just a fight for Charlotte but for all who work and seek to defend the NHS.”

Ms Munro worked at the hospital for 26 years but was dismissed on October 30.

Barts Trust said she was dismissed for “unauthorised dissemination” of information outside her union role and failing to disclose two previous criminal convictions.

The hearing continues.