A heated tribunal is set to begin at Newcastle Employment Tribunal this week, focusing on claims by nurses at Darlington Memorial Hospital that their privacy and dignity were repeatedly violated by a transgender-identifying colleague.
The case has already drawn national attention for the sensitive and complex issues it raises around workplace inclusivity, gender identity, and staff rights.
Nurses Raise Concerns About Colleague in Changing Room
Nurses at the hospital’s day surgery unit will tell the tribunal that Rose Henderson, a biological male colleague who identifies as female, used the female changing room while wearing tight black boxer shorts.
According to the nurses, Henderson stared at them, made comments about their bodies, and created an intimidating environment.
Frontline staff reportedly protested to management multiple times, but instead of action being taken to address their concerns, they were told they would need to undergo training about transgender inclusivity from Henderson himself.
Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
Eight nurses—including Karen Danson, Bethany Hutchison, Joanne Bradbury, Mary Annice Grundy, Lisa Lockey, Carly Hoy, Tracey Anne Hooper, and Jane Peveller—are pursuing claims against County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
Their complaints include sexual harassment, discrimination, victimisation, and violations of their right to privacy.
Ms. Danson, who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, is expected to testify that she was left shaken when Henderson, wearing only a scrubs top and boxer shorts, repeatedly asked, “Are you getting undressed yet?”
Staff Describe Henderson as Male in Appearance
The nurses have described Henderson as appearing masculine, with facial hair and other characteristics that led them to believe he was male.
Henderson has not undergone any physical or hormonal transition, though he identifies as female, and recently held a celebrant-led wedding with a female partner.
Reports indicate that Henderson is not taking hormonal treatment due to trying for a child with his partner.
Complaints Dismissed by Management
The tribunal will hear that when nurses raised concerns about Henderson’s presence in the female changing room, management dismissed their complaints.
Staff were allegedly threatened with suspension from the Nursing and Midwifery Council and warned they could be fired if they continued to resist.
Tribunal to Hear From 24 Witnesses
The Newcastle Employment Tribunal will hear from a total of 24 witnesses, including Henderson, and is expected to continue until mid-November.
Nurses claim that the hostile environment and management backlash intensified after they began pursuing legal action, highlighting the complex tensions between inclusivity policies and personal privacy in the workplace.