The RCN’s legal team are now working with Mrs Haywood to explore her options.
The family of a pensioner featured in the documentary have pledged their support to the whistle-blower nurse.
David Burnham, whose 87-year-old mother died months before the programme was broadcast in 2005, called for the nurse to be immediately reinstated.
The 62-year-old, who lives in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, said: “This lady has been very badly treated. Both my mother and father received care in this hospital, and they were quite vociferous in their condemnation of the type of care that was given to some people.”
The petition can be signed at www.gopetition.com/ online/27030.html or through the link on the RCN website at www.rcn.org.uk
A Facebook group, “Margaret Haywood – show your support for whistleblowing nurse” has also been set up.
