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NMC Assessing Complaints Against Darlington Nurses in Trans Changing-Room Dispute

The regulator has begun information gathering after four public complaints, with a separate employment tribunal due this month.

Overview

  • The four nurses — Bethany Hutchison, Lisa Lockey, Annice Grundy and Tracey Hooper — objected to sharing a women’s changing room with a colleague who identifies as female and later spoke publicly about their concerns.
  • The Nursing and Midwifery Council confirmed it is collecting information to decide whether the concerns warrant a full investigation following four complaints from members of the public.
  • The nurses are being represented by the Christian Legal Centre, which says their actions are protected under the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act and that the complaints are ideologically driven.
  • The group has an employment tribunal against County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust scheduled to start on October 20, alleging sexual harassment, discrimination, victimisation and privacy breaches.
  • Reporting notes NMC cases can take years to resolve, while political figures including Claire Coutinho have criticised the prospect of disciplinary action in this case.