Nurse in pronoun row reinstated after confidentiality investigation

Jennifer Melle was reinstated to clinical duties at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust after a disciplinary investigation into a possible breach of a transgender patient's confidentiality concluded with no further action; she has an employment tribunal scheduled for April.

Jennifer Melle has been reinstated to clinical duties at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust after a private disciplinary meeting on Tuesday. She had been suspended with full pay after speaking to the media about receiving a warning for using incorrect pronouns for a transgender patient. The investigation looked into whether details shared publicly could have identified the patient and breached confidentiality. The trust said it found that confidential details were shared publicly but was not aware anyone had identified the patient. Key facts: - The trust announced the investigation had concluded and that the member of staff previously suspended was reinstated to clinical duties; it said it would not tolerate racial abuse of staff. - Ms Melle was suspended after speaking to the press about a warning she received for using an incorrect pronoun for a patient; she said she had been racially abused by that patient in May 2024. - Ms Melle is bringing an employment tribunal claim against the trust in April, alleging harassment and discrimination linked to her religious beliefs. Summary: The trust concluded its disciplinary inquiry and decided not to take further action, allowing Ms Melle to return to work. Ms Melle said she felt relieved and grateful at the decision. An employment tribunal is scheduled for April, where her claims of harassment and discrimination will be heard.