by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
LONDON (Worthy News) – A British nurse who faced possible dismissal for using male pronouns in reference to a transgender prisoner claiming to be a woman has been reinstated, Worthy News learned Friday.
Jennifer Melle, 40, received a written warning after an incident in May 2024 at St Helier Hospital, part of the National Health Service (NHS) in south London near Surrey, a county on the capital’s southern outskirts.
Several sources said the dispute involved a transgender inmate convicted of sexually abusing children, who became upset after Melle referred to the patient as “Mr.” during a clinical conversation about catheter use.
Melle, from Croydon in south London, has said she was subjected to racist abuse after using what the prisoner regarded as the “wrong” pronoun.
The Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust later wrote to the patient, stressing that threatening and racist language toward staff would not be tolerated.
CASE ESCALATING
However, the case escalated after Melle spoke to the media in March 2025 about her experience. She was subsequently suspended on full pay amid concerns that press coverage could have led to the patient’s identification, potentially breaching confidentiality rules, officials said.
Guidance from Britain’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) states that nurses have a “duty of confidentiality” to all those receiving care, including ensuring that information is shared appropriately. Breaches can result in sanctions ranging from warnings and additional training to dismissal.
Following a private disciplinary hearing this week, the NHS trust confirmed that Melle has been reinstated to clinical duties and that no further action will be taken.
“Following an investigation into a breach of patient confidentiality, we are pleased that a member of staff who was previously suspended on full pay is being reinstated to clinical duties,” an NHS spokesman said.
Melle reacted by saying, “This has been an incredibly long and painful journey, and today I want to give thanks, first and foremost, to Jesus, who has sustained me every step of the way.”
TRIBUNAL CLAIM
Despite her return to work, Melle is pursuing an employment tribunal claim against the trust, alleging harassment as well as direct and indirect discrimination linked to her gender-critical and Christian beliefs.
She has received support from other nurses, including Bethany Hutchison and Lisa Lockey, who have previously won tribunal cases involving workplace disputes over gender ideology.
The case comes amid mounting pressure on devout Christians and others in Britain who say they face professional and legal consequences for expressing faith-based reservations about transgender policies.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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