Nurse Retains Position After Controversial Disciplinary Hearing
A dedicated NHS nurse who faced potential dismissal for referring to a transgender paedophile patient as "mister" has been permitted to continue in her role following a disciplinary hearing that attracted significant public and political attention. Jennifer Melle, a nurse with thirteen years of unblemished service, encountered the situation at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey, during an evening shift in May 2024.
Incident and Immediate Aftermath
During a conversation with a doctor outside the patient's room, Ms Melle used the terms "mister" and "he" when discussing the individual, who identifies as a woman but is a convicted paedophile. The patient, who was being escorted by prison guards, overheard these references and responded with a torrent of racist abuse and violent threats directed at Ms Melle, leaving her profoundly shaken and distressed.
Despite being the victim of this abuse, hospital management summoned Ms Melle the following day to address allegations of "misgendering" the patient. She received a final written warning and was referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for potential fitness to practise concerns related to referring to a patient "in a manner inconsistent with their gender identity."
Disciplinary Proceedings and Public Support
The disciplinary hearing took place at the hospital headquarters in Epsom, Surrey, where supporters gathered outside holding placards with messages such as "Safe spaces for women" and "Uphold reality." Among the protesters were the Darlington nurses, who recently won a separate case concerning a male-born colleague using women's changing facilities in an NHS hospital.
Following the hearing, which was closed to both press and public, Ms Melle expressed her relief and gratitude. "This has been an incredibly long and painful journey," she stated. "I want to give thanks, first and foremost, to Jesus, who has sustained me every step of the way." She also extended heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported her during this challenging period.
Political and Professional Backing
Ms Melle's case garnered substantial support, with over 18,000 people signing a petition calling for her exoneration. Several Members of Parliament publicly advocated on her behalf, including shadow equalities minister Claire Coutinho, who described Ms Melle as "one of the bravest women I have ever met." Ms Coutinho argued that the case demonstrated how the NHS had been influenced by "a radical gender ideology that puts women at the bottom of the pile."
Other notable supporters included MPs Rebecca Paul, Jim Shannon, Mims Davies, and Rosie Duffield, as well as NHS Fife nurse Sandie Peggie, who faced suspension after raising concerns about a transgender doctor using women's changing facilities.
Broader Context and Legal Action
Ms Melle, who identifies as a Christian, explained that while she respects individuals' sexuality, her beliefs prevent her from denying biological reality. However, the NMC's code of conduct restricts nurses from expressing personal beliefs, including religious or moral convictions, in an inappropriate manner.
Feeling unsupported by the NHS, Ms Melle disclosed her experience to the Mail on Sunday last year, which led to further disciplinary action for allegedly breaching patient confidentiality, though she did not reveal the patient's name or personal details. She has since been cleared of this additional charge.
The nurse is now pursuing legal action against the NHS, claiming unlawful interference with her right to hold gender-critical views under the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically regarding freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This tribunal case is scheduled to commence in Croydon on April 13.
Organisational Response and Future Implications
A spokesperson for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals Trust confirmed that Ms Melle would be welcomed back to her duties and that no further action would be taken against her. The NMC has yet to determine any action regarding her fitness to practise.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre supporting Ms Melle, remarked, "The tide is turning. More people are waking up to the simple, biological reality of how we are made, male and female, and they are no longer willing to be intimidated into silence or fear for stating it."
Ms Melle reflected on the broader significance of her case, noting that the recent legal victory for the Darlington nurses indicated a shift toward "sanity and common sense" within the NHS. She emphasised that no nurse should endure similar treatment for speaking truthfully, exercising professional judgement, or adhering to deeply held beliefs.
