Health board ‘in grip of a delusion’ over trans doctor row, tribunal hears

Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

By Nick Forbes, PA Scotland

A health board was in the “grip of a delusion” when it took action against a nurse who complained about sharing a changing room with a trans medic, an inquiry has heard.

Sandie Peggie was suspended by NHS Fife after complaining about having to share a changing room with Dr Beth Upton at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy on Christmas Eve 2023.

She was placed on special leave after Dr Upton made an allegation of bullying and harassment, and cited concerns about patient care.

Ms Peggie has lodged a claim against NHS Fife and Dr Upton, citing the Equality Act 2010, including sexual harassment, harassment related to a protected belief, indirect discrimination, and victimisation.

The tribunal, which is taking place in Dundee, is currently hearing closing submissions, having heard from all its witnesses before it was adjourned at the end of July.

In her closing submission on Monday, Ms Peggie’s lawyer Naomi Cunningham told the tribunal that NHS Fife had “taken on gender identify belief as its institutional position”, and that it had subjected the nurse to a “heresy hunt” when she challenged this.