Overview
- Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed that Jennifer Melle has returned to clinical duties with no further action following an investigation into an alleged patient confidentiality breach.
- Melle was suspended on full pay in March 2025 after speaking to the media, having earlier received a written warning in October 2024 for using male pronouns for a transgender prisoner patient.
- Her lawyers say the patient responded with racist abuse and a physical threat that required security intervention, and the trust said racial abuse of staff will not be tolerated and issued an apology.
- Campaigners say the trust referred her to the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a potential risk for not using the patient’s preferred identity, while Melle says the Royal College of Nursing failed to support her.
- Melle is backed by the Christian Legal Centre, her case has attracted support from public figures including JK Rowling and cross-party MPs, and it follows recent rulings such as the Darlington nurses’ victory.