Brian Gilfillan (36), a medical records supervisor, was found hanged in the grounds of Forth Park Hospital on October 28, 2008.

He was set to be disciplined for forging a signature to obtain leaflets for pregnant women.

At Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court this week, his father, Stewart Gilfillan (71), told Sheriff Grant McCulloch that his son had lived for his work.

He said: "It was his life. He read it that instant dismissal meant no job, no life. That was it in a nutshell."

Mr Gilfillan told the inquiry that his son would turn up for work at 7 a.m despite not starting until 8.30 a.m. and he also personally delivered letters to patients during the postal strike so they wouldn't miss any appointments.

It was also revealed the health service employee had received a letter asking him to stick to his contracted hours, although this was not a disciplinary matter.

A colleague, Audra Gibson, who had been part of a group of Victoria Hospital staff who took yearly weekends away together, said when she had seen Mr Gilfillan, he was worried.

She said: "He was very different. He seemed depressed and angry. He wasn't himself.

''He spoke to us and talked about his work – he said he felt he wasn't getting any support from his manager and couldn't do anything right."

Patricia Stott (64), who worked beside Mr Gilfillan before she retired, also said he had seemed worried about the disciplinary action.

She said: "He told me what had happened and that he was extremely worried, and that he had signed someone else's name, but that he didn't think he had done anything wrong."

The disciplinary procedures that were taken by NHS Fife came under scrutiny at the inquiry.

Mr Gilfillan had been accused of fraud despite the fact that he stood to make no personal gain from the forgery.

It was also heard that the process had drawn on from May due to various staff absences and delays.

Sherrif McCulloch said he would present his findings in writing as soon as possible.