Transgender doctor “Beth” Upton has left a position in Scotland in the publicly funded National Health Service after an extended period of workplace tensions, legal proceedings, and significant legal costs.
At the centre of the dispute was a female nurse’s objection to Upton—who was born male—using the women’s changing room at the NHS Fife hospital facility. The disagreement escalated into legal action and workplace conflict, with both sides alleging harassment and discrimination. The nurse subsequently filed a lawsuit against the health board.
In December last year, nurse Sandie Peggie was cleared of misconduct allegations and secured a partial legal victory, with the court allowing Dr Upton to be referred to as male in the proceedings. The health service later confirmed that legal costs related to the case have exceeded £400,000 (€460,000). The Scottish Conservative Party’s shadow equalities minister criticised the handling of the case, saying:
They have spent a small fortune to silence a nurse. NHS Fife should apologise.
The case has fuelled a broader national debate in the UK, particularly within healthcare settings, where staff trust and patient confidence are considered essential. Under a legal cloud, NHS Fife has since announced plans to introduce reforms aimed at preventing similar disputes in the future. The organisation also confirmed that Dr. Upton is no longer employed there, having left at the end of 2025, reportedly to move to Australia.
A representative of the For Women Scotland campaign group described Upton’s departure as “a relief for female patients,” claiming she had prioritised ideology over the wellbeing of colleagues and patients.
