Complaint whilst on leave?

[Mrsmorton]

A friend who is on leave from his frontline healthcare job has just (this afternoon) received a phonecall from the chief executive of the trust telling him that a complaint has been made against him by another colleague. He's asked me for help in drafting a response, which I have done.
Am I wrong to think it's unreasonable to contact someone on leave? He's absolutely distraught, wants to come back from holiday etc etc. Serious stuff for him as he cares so much about doing a good job and he is excellent, frequently receives letters of thanks from patients etc.

The complaint has no patient safety implications, in fact I can't see that there's much complaint at all. The team did the very best they could in the circumstances with limited resources, the patient was entirely unaware that there had been any problems and was never at any risk of harm.

So, wibu to suggest to friend that it is inappropriate for chief executive to contact them on leave whilst they have limited support?

Assuming he is at home and not away on holiday, Some people would rather know, some wouldn't. It entirely depends on the individual. The chief exec can't win. Your colleague could ask to cut short his leave and return to work and take his holiday when he can do so in a more relaxed manner.

Thanks mouldy I see your point. I'm just surprised at the urgency of the chief exec for a non problem.

Depends on the nature of the complaint. If it's a grievance then the company have a set time to respond.

So taking into consideration length of friends holiday and other pre booked holiday by witnesses and bosses over Christmas they may have had no choice but to tell him straight away to set the ball rolling.

I mean a problem where there was no actual or potential harm.

That's pre judging the outcome. A complaint has been made. It needs investigating.