A paediatric doctor at a Melbourne hospital is fighting her sacking amid concerns about her actions over two baby deaths.
Consultant neonatologist Dr Lisa Fox has been told by the Royal Women's Hospital that its CEO will recommend to the hospital board that her employment be terminated.
Dr Fox has been under investigation for her clinical practice since mid last year, over the deaths of two babies in 2015 and 2016 under her care.
The hospital's chief medical officer has recommended her employment be terminated - a position backed by the CEO - after an independent review found "both these deaths involved episodes of poor clinical judgement, particularly in relation to the care provided by Dr Fox."
Dr Fox, who is on paid leave, has rejected any allegations she contributed to the deaths or provided adverse care and is trying to prevent the hospital from sacking her.
In her outline of submissions to the court, she says the investigations into her were inadequate and in breach of the Fair Work Act.
The hospital has raised issues about Dr Fox's behaviour including allegations of aggressive, confrontational and demeaning conduct towards other medical staff during its investigations.
The repeated conduct over a number of years, left coworkers intimidated, anxious and caused them "significant psychological distress" according to a letter by the hospital's chief medical officer Dr Mark Garwood, tendered to the court.
Dr Fox has rejected the claims saying most were "non specific, subjective and anonymous".
Dr Fox, who is suffering depression and on leave with pay, argues her reputation will be irreparably damaged if her job is terminated and says any compensation or penalties will not rectify the harm caused.
She argues her mental health would be further affected as well as her ability to gain further work in her specialist area.
The hospital is challenging the injunctive relief sought by Dr Fox, saying it would prevent it taking any action to sack her.
Justice Anthony North on Monday referred the parties to mediation and adjourned the matter to August 23.
He made the orders on the hospital's undertaking it would give Dr Fox 48 hours of any intention to act on the recommendation to terminate her employment.
