Nurse who confronted trans colleague behaved in ‘unacceptable’ way, court hears
Sandie Peggie, who was suspended in January 2024. (Getty)
Sandie Peggie, who was suspended in January 2024. (Getty)
A nurse who confronted a trans co-worker with a series of “concerning” questions over her gender identity has been told her actions were “unacceptable.”
NHS Fife nurse, Sandie Peggie, was criticised for her actions on Christmas Eve in 2023, in which she misgendered trans practitioner, Dr Beth Upton, during a row with her over her usage of the women’s changing rooms.
Nurse Peggie launched an employment tribunal earlier this year over her suspension in January 2024 after the pair “exchanged words” over Dr Upton’s usage of the facilities, which she has a right to do under both NHS Fife’s policies and the law.
Following the confrontation, the nurse reportedly requested NHS Fife exclude Dr Upton from the facilities, resulting in Peggie’s eventual suspension.
Gillian Malone, NHS Fife’s head of nursing, told the court during a hearing this week that Ms Peggie’s comments misgendering Dr Upton were “unacceptable.”
She further condemned the nurse’s actions, saying it wasn’t right for “any colleague to confront another in that matter” and that Ms Peggie should have raised the matter with her line manager instead.
Sandy Peggie’s suspension was over ‘concerning allegations,’ head nurse says
Ms Malone told the court that she understood that, during the 2023 row, Ms Peggie questioned Dr Upton about her chromosomes and referenced Isla Bryson, a trans woman who was imprisoned in 2023 on rape charges.
Asked whether the conversation could have been constructive in any way, Ms Malone said she believed there was no way the matter could have been resolved through the confrontation.
She told the court that she had discovered news of the “concerning allegations” in early January after returning to work from Christmas break. The allegations reportedly included Ms Peggie using derogatory terms towards Dr Upton and asking offensive and inappropriate questions.
She said Ms Peggie was suspended following a risk assessment carried out by Ms Peggie’s line manager, which contained allegations of “bullying and harassment,” as well as “other work-related incidents.”
“When I read content of [the incident report], I thought the comments were concerning,” she said. “At this time they were allegations, I did believe there was behaviour in there which could constitute bullying and harassment which were of concern and could require investigation.”
Earlier this week, NHS Fife issued a statement clearing Ms Peggie of gross misconduct allegations following a health board disciplinary hearing.
“NHS Fife can confirm that an internal conduct hearing has concluded in relation to a staff member in our emergency department, following allegations concerning conduct.
“After reviewing the evidence presented, including written submissions and witness testimony, the panel found that there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of misconduct.”
The Scottish health board acknowledged the “complex and sensitive” nature of the allegations, writing that it would be “making any further comment on the outcome” of the employment tribunal.
