A nurse who was suspended over an alleged breach of a transgender patient’s confidentiality has been reinstated.
Jennifer Melle from Croydon, south London, was removed from duty after speaking publicly to the media about receiving a warning for using the wrong pronouns.
The trust said it was concerned confidential details about the patient’s appearance, diagnosis and treatment were shared with the media – but it found no evidence that the patient had been identified.
An internal disciplinary meeting at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust, where she worked, has now cleared her of further action.
This hearing followed an incident in May 2024 where Melle was racially abused by a transgender patient after she addressed them as “Mr”.
The trust issued her with a written warning, and separately warned the patient that racist and threatening behaviour would not be tolerated.
An Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS spokesperson said they were pleased a member of staff who was previously suspended on full pay was being reinstated to clinical duties.
“Racial abuse of our staff will never be tolerated and we are sorry that she had this experience.”
Melle said she felt “deeply relieved and grateful” at the decision, following an “incredibly long and painful journey”.
Melle is taking the trust to an employment tribunal in April claiming harassment, direct discrimination and indirect discrimination linked to her gender‑critical and evangelical Christian beliefs.
