A British nurse who was disciplined for refusing to use gender-identity language that conflicted with her Christian beliefs, has been reinstated after her employer dropped its case against her.
Jennifer Melle, a nurse with Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, faced disciplinary action after referring to a biologically male prisoner patient as “he” and “Mr.” during a clinical discussion.
When the patient demanded to be addressed as a woman, Melle declined, explaining that doing so would violate her Christian faith. She instead offered to use the patient’s name.
According to Melle, the patient responded with racial slurs and threats, forcing prison guards to restrain him. Despite being the victim of abuse, Melle was later issued a written warning, transferred from her department, and reported to the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a “potential risk.”
After she spoke publicly about her experience, the NHS Trust suspended her again—this time accusing her of a “data breach.” However, following an investigation, the Trust admitted no patient had been identified and dropped the case entirely.
Melle was reinstated to clinical duties this week.
“I give Jesus Christ all the praise,” Melle said. “The Lord has been my anchor and comforted me through this ordeal.”
Melle will still pursue an employment tribunal case, alleging harassment, discrimination, and violations of her freedom of conscience and religion. Her case comes amid a broader shift in the UK legal landscape. Earlier this year, an employment tribunal ruled in favour of female nurses who objected to a biological male using women’s changing rooms, stating NHS policies had violated their dignity and created a hostile environment.
“None of us should be punished for speaking the truth or living according to our deeply held beliefs,” Melle said.
“The NHS must protect its staff and uphold fairness.” This case has become a powerful reminder that faith, professional integrity, and basic truth should never be treated as misconduct.
(Picture Courtesy: PA)
