Jennifer Melle (C) with gender-critical activist Maya Forstater (L1), Sandie Peggie, the Darlington Nurses and some of the MPs who have signed the petition supporting Jennifer.
@MForstater on X, on January 19, 2026
Jennifer Melle said she felt “deeply relieved and grateful” for the decision that allows her to return to her clinical duties.
Jennifer Melle, a nurse at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust in south London, has been reinstated following an internal disciplinary review over a dispute involving a transgender patient. Melle was suspended earlier after speaking publicly about receiving a warning for using the patient’s biological pronouns.
Melle faced disciplinary action after an incident in May 2024, when the patient allegedly racially abused her after she addressed him as “Mr.” The trust subsequently issued Melle a written warning and separately warned the patient that racist and threatening behavior would not be tolerated.
Following a full review, an internal disciplinary hearing cleared Melle of further action, and she has returned to her clinical duties. An NHS spokesperson said, “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 after an “incredibly long and painful journey.”
Melle’s ordeal began when a patient admitted from a men’s prison attempted to leave the hospital and overheard her discussing his medical case, including catheter treatment, on a phone call. The patient reportedly lunged at Melle while shouting racial insults.
Melle responded that she could use the patient’s chosen female name but, due to her Christian beliefs, could not refer to him as a woman. She told him, “Sorry I cannot refer to you as ‘her’ or ‘she’, as it’s against my faith and Christian values but I can call you by your name.” Following this, she faced both physical threats and an official complaint.
