Overview
- Rose Henderson told the Newcastle tribunal she has used the women’s changing room since September 2019 and first learned of formal objections in March 2024.
- Henderson denied allegations of staring at colleagues or walking around in boxer shorts, saying she once asked a friend if she was nearly changed as a sarcastic aside.
- Her statement described distress from press coverage, including special leave in late June 2024, later sick leave, mental health support, and current use of a separate changing room.
- Matron Sandra Watson said a colleague-made poster declaring a single-sex changing room "inclusive" was removed after she raised concerns with senior management because it "didn't feel right."
- Watson testified that HR indicated facility use could align with an individual’s stated or legal gender, prompting her to question trust policy, as the tribunal continues without a ruling.