A nurse who was suspended after speaking to the media about a transgender patient pronoun dispute has been reinstated by an NHS trust following a disciplinary investigation into a possible breach of confidentiality.
Jennifer Melle, 40, from Croydon, south London, was given a written warning in May 2024 after she referred to a transgender patient as 'Mr' at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton. The patient allegedly racially abused her during the incident. After Ms Melle spoke to the press about her experience in March 2025, she was suspended on full pay over concerns the patient could be identified.
On Tuesday, Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust informed Ms Melle that she would face no further action. The trust said that although confidential details such as the patient's physical appearance, diagnosis and treatment were shared publicly, it was not aware that anyone had identified the patient as a result.
Ms Melle said she felt 'deeply relieved and grateful' after an 'incredibly long and painful journey'. An NHS spokesperson said: 'Racial abuse of our staff will never be tolerated and we are sorry that she had this experience.'
Ms Melle is taking the trust to an employment tribunal in April over claims of harassment and discrimination based on her gender critical beliefs, which she says are linked to her evangelical Christian faith. She was supported at the meeting by the Darlington nurses, Bethany Hutchison, Lisa Lockey and Sandie Peggie, who have been involved in similar transgender-related disputes.
