Sandie Peggie: NHS Fife nurse who complained about sharing changing room with trans colleague cleared of misconduct
A nurse who challenged the presence of a transgender doctor in women’s changing rooms has been cleared of misconduct.
Sandie Peggie had been suspended after complaining about Dr Beth Upton – a biological man who identifies as a woman – using female facilities at NHS Fife, where the pair both worked.
Dr Upton accused her of bullying and harassment and cited concerns about “patient care”.
She faced an employment tribunal, hearings for which took place in Dundee in February before being adjourned until July.
Now, her lawyers have said she has been cleared of four allegations of gross misconduct.
A statement from her solicitor, Margaret Gribbon, reads: “On Tuesday, July 15, the evening before the resuming of her tribunal, Sandie Peggie received confirmation from Fife Health Board that following a disciplinary hearing, none of the gross misconduct allegations against her were upheld.
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Peggie has said her treatment was unlawful under the Equality Act 2010
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Dr Beth Upton arrived at an employment tribunal at Caledonian House, in Dundee
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Sandie Peggie has publicly welcomed April’s landmark Supreme Court judgment
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NHS Fife – where Sandie Peggie said she was forced to change in front of biological male Dr Beth Upton
In her hearings earlier this year, Peggie had revealed how “embarrassed” she felt about having to undress in front of a biologically male colleague.
“I was upset he was being allowed to use it. I didn’t want to go in, I felt embarrassed,” she said. “I didn’t want to change in front of him.”
She told the tribunal: “Beth informed me he had as much right to be there as I did.
“I told him that wasn’t true and if I wanted to get changed in front of a man I would have gone to the male changing room.”
“It’s possible I work with some people who hold those views, and they may be unhappy.
“Those people may be opposed to the inclusion of trans people. Why they might be uncomfortable with me is up to them. I would disagree that I am male.”
