Terry Gulliver testified in October 2008 at the Cameron inquiry into botched breast cancer tests. Terry Gulliver testified in October 2008 at the Cameron inquiry into botched breast cancer tests. (CBC)

A former lab manager says he was wrongfully dismissed from Newfoundland and Labrador's largest health authority in 2008.

Terry Gulliver was fired from his position as Eastern Health's regional director of laboratory medicine days after an inquiry into cancer test errors finished hearing months of testimony.

In a statement of claim suing Eastern Health for damages, Gulliver said he was fired in bad faith, without cause and in a very abrupt and public manner.

He claims his severance package was inadequate and unreasonable, and he is seeking damages for distress and anxiety caused by Eastern Health's breach of contract.

Gulliver said his dismissal eliminated any possible job opportunities and harmed his reputation across the country.

In a statement of defense, Eastern Health said it didn't do anything wrong.

The health authority said Gulliver was offered a severance package, which he has already started receiving.

The health authority's statement of defence says Gulliver commenced 58 weeks salary continuance, which continued until March 6, 2010.

Eastern Health also purchased one month of prior service for Gulliver, which allowed him to qualify for an unreduced pension in March 2010.