Overview
- Jennifer Melle is due at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday that could result in dismissal, after a December session was postponed following political intervention.
- The case stems from a May 2024 encounter at St Helier Hospital in which she addressed a transgender patient as “Mr” and said using female pronouns conflicted with her Christian faith.
- Melle reports the patient launched a racially and religiously aggravated attack, and the trust says it issued a written warning to the patient and condemns racial abuse of staff.
- Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust has referred her to the Nursing and Midwifery Council and alleges she breached its code by speaking publicly about the patient.
- She has filed an Employment Tribunal claim alleging harassment, discrimination and breaches of conscience rights, with a full hearing scheduled for April, while a petition led by MP Claire Coutinho has drawn high‑profile support including JK Rowling and Kemi Badenoch.