An employment tribunal for a woman once hailed a ‘champion’ of Whipps Cross Hospital will begin today.

Charlotte Monro, a former moving and handling coordinator at the Leytonstone hospital, was dismissed in 2013 after 26 years of service.

She was dismissed after Barts Health Trust claimed it discovered undisclosed convictions relating to protests.

However, also the chairwoman for Unison’s Waltham Forest health branch, Ms Monro believes that her dismissal was because of her union work.

In July 2013 Ms Munro was suspended from her position after Barts Trust found out about ‘undisclosed prison sentences’ relating to protests in her past.

She said disciplinary action began against her when she expressed concerns about changes to stroke services at a council meeting.

A spokesman from the health trust said: “Charlotte Monro was dismissed from her employment with Barts Health for gross misconduct, in particular for failure to disclose serious criminal convictions and breaching confidentiality.

“We can categorically state that Ms Monro was dismissed for personal misconduct and not as a result of her union role.

“Barts Health NHS Trust is committed to fully supporting its entire staff, and values their dedication and commitment to our patients. However, for the sake of our patients' and public confidence, we have to ensure that all our staff act according to our policies and values in an honest and a professional manner.”

Union members will gather outside the hearing in east London today.

The tribunal could last up to three days.