Sandie Peggie: NHS Nurse Cleared of Misconduct as Tribunal Battle Resumes
Sandie Peggie, the NHS nurse at the centre of a high-profile employment tribunal over single-sex changing room rights, has been officially cleared of gross misconduct by NHS Fife.
The ruling follows an 18-month internal investigation sparked by controversial allegations involving patient care and gender identity issues.
Ms Peggie, an A&E nurse with NHS Fife, had faced suspension after Dr Beth Upton, a transgender woman and colleague, raised a formal complaint alleging bullying. The dispute began when Peggie voiced concerns about sharing female-only changing facilities with Dr Upton.
Yet this week, just ahead of the resumed tribunal proceedings in Dundee, her solicitor confirmed that all allegations—misconduct, patient care failures, and misgendering—were dismissed by the internal disciplinary panel.
“Sandie is relieved and delighted that this 18-month-long internal process has concluded and cleared her of all allegations,” said her lawyer, Margaret Gribbon.
A spokesperson for NHS Fife echoed the conclusion, stating there was “insufficient evidence to support a finding of misconduct.” No sanctions were issued, though a reflective discussion between parties was recommended.
“NHS Fife acknowledges that this was a complex and sensitive matter, and we are satisfied that the process has been appropriately followed and is now concluded,” the spokesperson added.
Despite this internal victory, Peggie’s legal battle is far from over. The employment tribunal—separate from the health board’s review—has resumed in Dundee.
It originally opened for 10 days in February and will now continue examining Peggie’s claim that NHS Fife and Dr Upton breached the Equality Act 2010. The case centres on three incidents in the changing room and the subsequent fallout.
Campaign group Sex Matters released a statement confirming her clearance, placing further scrutiny on NHS Fife’s workplace policies. The timing couldn’t be more relevant. Since the tribunal began, the UK Supreme Court has issued a landmark clarification on the legal definition of biological sex.
The ruling reinforces that the terms “man” and “woman” in the Equality Act refer to biological sex, not gender identity. Ms Peggie has since called on NHS Fife to act, demanding that it “stop permitting any man who identifies as a woman” access to female-only spaces.
While the health board awaits further guidance from the Scottish Government and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Peggie has also turned her attention to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland. She has urged the union to support her case, claiming it has yet to intervene or offer assistance.
The RCN declined to comment on specific cases but said it was working through NHS Scotland partnership structures to ensure proper guidance is given to employers.
The case has stirred national debate, blending healthcare, gender identity, and workplace rights into one explosive legal saga. As the tribunal resumes, all eyes are on the outcome—not just for Peggie, but for NHS policy across the UK.
