NHS Nurse Jennifer Melle Reinstated After Trans Pronoun Row

Key Points

• Jennifer Melle, an NHS nurse from Croydon, south London, was suspended after speaking publicly to the media about a warning she received for using the wrong pronouns with a transgender patient.
• The suspension stemmed from concerns by Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust that she had breached patient confidentiality by sharing details about the patient’s appearance, diagnosis, and treatment.
• An internal disciplinary meeting cleared her of further action, finding no evidence that the patient had been identified.
• The incident originated in May 2024, when Melle addressed the patient as “Mr” and was racially abused by them.
• The Trust issued Melle a written warning and separately warned the patient against racist and threatening behaviour.
• Melle has been reinstated to clinical duties on full pay.
• Melle is pursuing an employment tribunal in April against the Trust, claiming harassment, direct discrimination, and indirect discrimination linked to her gender-critical and evangelical Christian beliefs.
• A Trust spokesperson expressed pleasure at her reinstatement and apologised for her experience with racial abuse.
• Melle described feeling “deeply relieved and grateful” after an “incredibly long and painful journey”.

Croydon, (south London News), February 2, 2026 – Jennifer Melle, an NHS nurse at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust, has been reinstated to clinical duties following her suspension over an alleged breach of a transgender patient’s confidentiality.​

The decision came after an internal disciplinary hearing found no evidence that patient details were identifiable, clearing Melle of further action. This resolution follows a contentious incident in May 2024 that sparked wider debates on pronouns, patient confidentiality, and staff protections in the NHS.​

What Triggered the Initial Incident?

The dispute began in May 2024 at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust, where Jennifer Melle, a nurse from Croydon, addressed a transgender patient as “Mr”. As reported in coverage from BBC News, the patient racially abused Melle in response.​

Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust subsequently issued Melle with a written warning for misgendering the patient. Separately, the Trust warned the patient that racist and threatening behaviour would not be tolerated.​

Melle then spoke publicly to the media about receiving this warning, prompting her removal from duty. The Trust grew concerned that confidential details—specifically the patient’s appearance, diagnosis, and treatment—had been shared publicly.​

Why Was Jennifer Melle Suspended?

Suspension followed Melle’s media comments, with the Trust alleging a potential breach of patient confidentiality protocols. According to the Trust’s statement, as covered by BBC News, they feared specifics about the patient’s case had been disclosed in a way that risked identification.​

No evidence emerged to support this, however. An internal disciplinary meeting reviewed the matter and exonerated Melle, allowing her reinstatement without further penalties.​

Throughout her suspension, Melle remained on full pay, a detail confirmed in Trust communications reported across outlets.​

What Did the Disciplinary Hearing Decide?

The hearing at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust concluded that no breach had occurred warranting ongoing action. It explicitly found no proof that the transgender patient could be identified from Melle’s statements.​

This outcome paves the way for Melle’s return to clinical duties, marking the end of her suspension period. The process underscores the Trust’s internal procedures for handling such complaints.​

How Did Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust Respond?

An Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS spokesperson stated:

“We are pleased that a member of staff who was previously suspended on full pay is being reinstated to clinical duties.”​

The spokesperson added:

“Racial abuse of our staff will never be tolerated and we are sorry that she had this experience.”

This apology directly addresses the May 2024 racial abuse incident involving Melle.​

The Trust’s position reaffirms zero tolerance for staff mistreatment while navigating pronoun and confidentiality policies.

What Is Jennifer Melle’s Reaction?

Jennifer Melle expressed profound emotion over the reinstatement. She said:

“I feel deeply relieved and grateful at the decision, following an incredibly long and painful journey.”

Melle’s words highlight the personal toll of the suspension, which spanned from her media comments post-May 2024 through to this recent hearing.

Her relief comes amid ongoing legal action, signaling this as a partial victory rather than full closure.

Why Is Jennifer Melle Taking Legal Action?

Melle is scheduled for an employment tribunal in April against Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust. She claims harassment, direct discrimination, and indirect discrimination tied to her gender-critical beliefs and evangelical Christian faith.​

This stems from the written warning and suspension, which Melle views as unfairly penalising her beliefs. The tribunal will examine whether Trust actions disproportionately impacted her.​

Such cases often spotlight tensions between equality laws, free speech, and religious expression in healthcare settings.

What Broader Context Surrounds Pronouns in the NHS?

The incident reflects ongoing NHS debates on preferred pronouns. Staff guidance urges biological sex-based language unless patients specify otherwise, yet misgendering can trigger complaints.​

Melle’s use of “Mr” aligned with initial perceptions but clashed with the patient’s identity, leading to abuse and warnings. This case tests how Trusts balance staff safety, patient rights, and belief protections.​

Similar disputes have arisen elsewhere, with tribunals increasingly scrutinising belief-based discrimination claims.

How Does This Fit into NHS Staff Abuse Trends?

Racial abuse against NHS staff, as endured by Melle, remains a persistent issue. The Trust’s apology aligns with national pledges to combat violence and discrimination.​

Epsom and St Helier emphasised that such behaviour “will never be tolerated,” echoing broader sector commitments. Melle’s case amplifies calls for stronger safeguards.​

Reinstatement on full pay during suspension protected her financially, but emotional strain was evident in her statement.

What Are the Implications for Gender-Critical Beliefs?

Melle links her tribunal claims explicitly to gender-critical views—beliefs that sex is immutable—and her evangelical Christianity. These are protected under UK equality laws if not absolute.​

The April hearing could set precedents for nurses expressing such views. Outcomes may influence NHS training on pronouns and beliefs.​

As reported across sources, this underscores deepening divides in public institutions over transgender policies.

Who Is Jennifer Melle?

Jennifer Melle hails from Croydon, south London, working as an NHS nurse at Epsom and St Helier. Her public statements post-incident drew media attention, leading to suspension.​

Now cleared, she resumes duties while preparing for tribunal. Her journey, described as “painful,” involved navigating disciplinary processes amid personal convictions.​

What Happens Next for the Trust and Melle?

Immediate reinstatement returns Melle to clinical work. The Trust focuses on normal operations, with its spokesperson welcoming the resolution.​

April’s tribunal looms large, potentially escalating if claims proceed. Melle’s dual relief and pursuit of justice frame her path ahead.​

Why Does This Matter for NHS Policy?

This resolution prompts questions on confidentiality thresholds—how much detail constitutes a breach without identification? The Trust’s no-evidence finding clarifies limits.​

It also highlights racial abuse responses, with warnings to patients reinforcing staff protections. Broader policy reviews may follow high-profile cases like this.​

Neutral handling ensured fairness, but tribunal scrutiny awaits.