25 July 2012 Last updated at 08:16 ET

NHS Grampian loses Supreme Court Sumithra Hewage ruling

NHS Grampian has "vehemently" denied discrimination exists in the organisation after a ruling by the Supreme Court in a long-running case involving a former employee.

Sumithra Hewage quit in 2003, citing stress caused by a colleague.

She won a subsequent employment tribunal but it was overturned on appeal. That decision was then overturned by the Court of Session.

The Supreme Court has now dismissed NHS Grampian's latest appeal.

'Consider the verdict'

It was ruled that the tribunal was entitled to draw an inference of sex and race discrimination in Mrs Hewage's favour.

NHS Grampian said in a statement: "We are extremely disappointed at this outcome. We vehemently deny any systemic sexual or racial discrimination exists in this organisation.

"Staff from a huge range of ethnicities enjoy worthwhile and rewarding careers in NHS Grampian and, as a responsible employer, we have very robust dignity at work policies.

"We will now carefully consider the verdict to determine whether there are any learning points for the organisation, but reiterate that NHS Grampian does not practice racial, sexual or religious discrimination of any kind."