Changing room row nurse denies comparing trans doctor to rapist

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Changing room row nurse denies comparing trans doctor to *******

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Sex Matters

Sandie Peggie was giving evidence for a second day at the employment tribunal

A nurse who was suspended after complaining about sharing a changing room with a transgender doctor has denied comparing the medic to a *******.

Sandie Peggie claims that having to share the room with Dr Beth Upton – who is a trans woman – amounted to unlawful harassment under the Equality Act.

The employment tribunal,

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, has been told that words were exchanged between Ms Peggie and Dr Upton in December 2023.

It heard that Ms Peggie had compared the doctor’s decision to use the women’s changing room in Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, to controversy around “men being in women’s prison”.

It was determined that she was referring to the case of Isla Bryson, a transgender ******* who attacked two women while known as Adam Graham and was

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.

During her second day of evidence, Ms Peggie claimed she was previously unaware that the Bryson case involved a *******, and said: “I never compared Beth to being a *******.”

Jane Russell KC, the lawyer representing Dr Upton and NHS Fife, suggested that the comment fed into a narrative that trans women were predators.

Ms Peggie replied: “I was describing how women must feel with a man in a female prison and how they might feel awkward having a man in the prison with them.”

Ms Peggie, who has been a nurse at NHS Fife for more than 30 years, previously told the tribunal she felt “embarrassed and intimidated” when Dr Upton started getting changed in the room in December 2023.

“I told Beth I felt it was unacceptable that he was in the female changing area,” she said.

Dr Upton has denied getting undressed during the exchange.

The tribunal heard a written account from another doctor who said Dr Upton appeared “extremely distressed” afterwards.

Ms Peggie’s claim is disputed by NHS Fife, which has described the case as unnecessary and vexatious.

NHS guidance states that trans men and women are allowed to use the changing rooms that align with their gender identity.

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Getty Images

Sandie Peggie was working as a nurse at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy

Last month, it was decided that the tribunal would be heard in public and that Ms Peggie and her legal team were allowed to refer to Dr Upton as a man.

Dr Upton’s legal team, who said the medic was deeply hurt by being misgendered, will be able to refer to their client as female.

During her evidence, Ms Peggie confirmed she had called Dr Upton a man and said she believed the medic was a biological male.

She acknowledged that this would be considered harassment under NHS Fife’s diversity and equality guidance.

The nurse also confirmed that she had “strong opinions” and an admiration for US President Donald Trump.

The tribunal also heard texts between Ms Peggie and a colleague where she expressed frustration about Dr Upton using the women’s changing rooms.

One text from the nurse said she was “shaking like a leaf” after encountering Dr Upton in the changing room, adding: “Everyone sticks up for the *********.”

Dr Upton complained to the health board about Ms Peggie’s behaviour after the exchange in December 2023, claiming that it was bullying.

Ms Peggie was put on leave and then suspended in January 2024 pending an investigation. The health board encouraged her to return to work at a different hospital in March last year.

The tribunal, which is expected to last 10 days, continues.

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