Jennifer Melle, a nurse in the NHS, has been allowed to keep her job after facing disciplinary action for referring to a transgender patient as “mister.”
The case, which has sparked national attention, also drew widespread support from colleagues, MPs, and members of the public.
The incident occurred in May 2024 and left Ms Melle shaken after the patient, a convicted paedophile identifying as a woman, directed racist abuse and threats at her.
Despite her long, unblemished career, she faced serious consequences, including a final written warning and a referral to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Public Support and Protests
Support for Ms Melle has been overwhelming.
More than 18,000 people signed a petition calling for her to be cleared of wrongdoing.
Protesters, including the Darlington nurses who recently won a separate legal battle over changing room access, gathered outside Epsom Hospital holding placards reading, “Safe spaces for women” and “Uphold reality.”
Shadow Equalities Minister Claire Coutinho described Ms Melle as “one of the bravest women I have ever met,” arguing that her treatment highlights a troubling trend of ideological enforcement in the NHS.
Several MPs, including Rebecca Paul, Jim Shannon, Mims Davies, and Rosie Duffield, have also voiced their support.
The Incident at St Helier Hospital
Ms Melle was working an evening shift at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey, when she encountered the patient, who was being escorted from prison.
During a discussion with a doctor outside the patient’s room, she referred to the patient as “he” and “mister.”
The patient reacted violently, hurling racist abuse and threats that left Ms Melle deeply distressed.
Despite her long-standing service and professional record, Ms Melle faced disciplinary measures the following day.
The NMC began investigating her fitness to practice for allegedly misgendering the patient, citing the code that prohibits nurses from expressing personal beliefs inappropriately.
Faith and Professional Beliefs
Ms Melle has made it clear that her Christian beliefs guide her views on biological sex.
While she fully respects individual sexuality, she says she cannot deny biological reality.
This stance, she argues, has led to what she describes as harassment, bullying, and discrimination within her workplace.
“I am devastated by how I have been treated,” she told the Mail on Sunday.
“Ever since I expressed my Christian beliefs under extreme pressure, I have been a marked woman.”
Cleared and Moving Forward
After a disciplinary hearing closed to the press and public, Ms Melle was cleared of wrongdoing.
She expressed relief and gratitude, thanking her supporters and saying the journey had been “incredibly long and painful.”
The nurse now plans to take her case to tribunal, claiming that the NHS unlawfully interfered with her right to hold gender-critical views under the European Convention on Human Rights, with the hearing set for April 13 in Croydon.
Andrea Williams of the Christian Legal Centre praised Ms Melle’s courage, saying, “The tide is turning.
Voices like Jennifer’s matter, and they must not be crushed.”
Hospital Statement
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals Trust confirmed Ms Melle’s reinstatement.
A spokesman said, “Racial abuse of our staff will never be tolerated, and we are sorry she had this experience.”
The statement emphasized that following the investigation, Ms Melle has returned to clinical duties after being cleared of breaching patient confidentiality.
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