RCN 'didn't help when I needed them most', pronoun nurse tells Peggie tribunal in Dundee

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 29 September 2026.

Jennifer Melle, who won a settlement from Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust after being warned for using a biological pronoun with a transgender patient, broke down in tears giving evidence at Sandie Peggie's employment tribunal in Dundee on Monday. Melle told the tribunal the Royal College of Nursing took "a couple of days or weeks" to respond to her, then requested that she produce a written reflection on the incident — which "felt like more punishment". She said she suffered sleepless nights and panic attacks during a Nursing and Midwifery Council investigation, the most "critical" point of her career.

Melle said the patient turned "vile and abusive" after she referred to them using a biological pronoun, prompting a workplace investigation.

Peggie is suing the RCN for direct discrimination over her gender-critical beliefs, after a partial tribunal victory against NHS Fife last December.

The RCN's barrister told the tribunal that its representatives had maintained contact with Melle throughout the dispute to discuss her options.