The summary dismissal of trade union rep Charlotte Monro from Whipps Cross hospital by the Barts Health Trust could have repercussions for all who use the health service.

The actions seem to fly in the face of Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s declaration following the Mid Staffs Trust scandal that he wanted to “foster a climate of openness, where staff are supported to do the right thing and where we put people first at all times.”

Doing the right thing it seems, equals the sack when it comes to Barts Health Trust. There are many cuts being made across the hospitals that make up Barts Health Trust (Whipps Cross, Newham Hospital, St Bartholomews, the Royal London and Mile End hospital), much of it prefaced on the Private Finance Initiative deficit. 1,000 jobs have been lost, with others being regraded. How can this be good for patient care?

The treatment of Charlotte Monro just sends out a message as to what is likely to happen to those who do put their heads above the parapet. Yet, there never has been a more important time to speak out – the very future of our NHS depends on it.

Paul Donovan, Dangan Road, Wanstead