UK Nurse Reinstated After Misgendering Transgender Patient: Victory for Christian Nurse Jennifer Melle
In a case that has ignited a national conversation about religious freedom and workplace safety, Jennifer Melle, a veteran NHS nurse, has been reinstated to her clinical duties. The Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust dropped its investigation into an alleged “data breach” this week, ending a suspension that Melle’s supporters claim was a “retaliatory” response to her standing up for her faith.
The Incident: Racial Abuse vs. Pronoun Policy
The ordeal began in 2024 when Melle was caring for a prisoner patient. When Melle referred to the biological male patient as “he” and “Mr.” during a medical discussion, the situation escalated rapidly:
- Violent Outburst: The patient reportedly lunged at Melle and attempted to headbutt her.
- Racial Slurs: Melle testified that the patient screamed the “N-word” at her multiple times.
- The Shocking Reversal: Despite being the victim of a racial and physical assault, Melle was the one disciplined. The Trust issued her a written warning for “misgendering” the patient, prioritizing the patient’s preferred pronouns over the nurse’s safety and religious conscience.
The Legal Stand-Off
Melle, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, refused to stay silent. After she shared her story publicly in May 2025, the Trust suspended her, alleging she had breached patient confidentiality.
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Trust finally conceded. They dropped the case against her and issued a formal apology for the racial abuse she suffered, stating:
“Racial abuse of our staff will never be tolerated, and we are sorry that she had this experience.”
A Pattern of Change in the UK?
Melle’s reinstatement is seen as part of a “domino effect” following several major legal wins for gender-critical and religious staff in the UK:
| Date | Case / Event | Outcome |
| Jan 16, 2026 | Darlington Nurses Case | Tribunal ruled in favor of nurses objecting to a biological male in female changing rooms. |
| Jan 20, 2026 | Jennifer Melle Case | Trust drops all charges and reinstates Melle to clinical duties. |
| April 2026 | Upcoming Tribunal | Melle will sue the Trust for discrimination and harassment. |
The Next Legal Battle
Though she is back at work, Melle is not dropping her legal claims. In April 2026, she will head to an employment tribunal to seek justice for the “traumatizing” way she was treated by her employers. Her legal team argues that the Trust’s actions constituted a clear breach of her freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
