Nine News named in hospital workplace dispute

A workplace disagreement involving a media manager for Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital and Nine News will be heard in the Federal Court.

The Age reports a news crew visit in October between the hospital, media manager Bruce Atherton and Nine News Melbourne Chief of Staff Kate McGrath has escalated into a major workplace dispute.

According to the article, Nine News visited the hospital to film a story but was told by the hospital’s media manager Bruce Atherton that they didn’t have permission to film.

In his statement of claim, Atherton says he “received a telephone call from a Ms Kate McGrath, the chief of staff for Nine News, in which she referred to the incident … and accused Mr Atherton of having been rude to a journalist.”

McGrath is also a member of the hospital’s fundraising board.

Atherton claims he was formally disciplined then asked to attend a meeting to respond to allegations of unprofessional behaviour.

There is also a further claim about unpaid wages.

The Age notes a spokeswoman for St Vincent’s Hospital said it would be inappropriate to comment given the matter was before the court.