A Christian nurse from Croydon has said she is “grateful to God” that action against her was dropped, after she misgendered a patient.
Jennifer Melle, 40, accidentally referred to a patient who was in prison for paedophilia offences, as “miste."
The patient responded by racially abusing her, and approaching her aggressively. After Melle placated the patient, they submitted a complaint.
She was subsequently suspended and investigated for a “potential data breach."
St Helier and Epsom University Hospitals NHS Trust have now dropped their internal disciplinary case against Melle.
“I am thankful, relieved, and hopeful for what comes next,” Melle said. “I give glory to God for His faithfulness throughout this entire ordeal.”
She described the period as “the darkest of my life,” marked by fear, anxiety, and uncertainty as a single mother, facing the potential loss of her livelihood.
The Christian Legal Centre, who championed Melle’s case, have hailed it as a victory. They are continuing to represent her, as she pursues further legal action against the Trust in April, for “harassment, discrimination, victimisation, and breaches of her freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.”
A spokesperson for Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS told Premier Christian News: “We are pleased that a member of staff who was previously suspended on full pay is being reinstated to clinical duties. Racial abuse of our staff will never be tolerated and we are sorry that she had this experience.”
