The disciplinary proceedings were launched after allegations that Melle, during a clinical discussion in May 2024, used male pronouns for a patient who identified as a transgender woman. The patient, a convicted paedophile and prisoner, reportedly directed racist abuse and physical threats towards Melle, who is black, requiring hospital security intervention.
Christian Concern campaigners criticised the trust, noting that Melle had been treated as a “potential risk” despite being the victim. She had also received a written warning and a referral to the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Following media coverage in March 2025, Melle was suspended and removed from duty, before being reinstated this week after internal reviews dropped all disciplinary action. She described the decision as “deeply relieving” and said the process had been “incredibly long and painful.”
Melle, a practising Christian, expressed gratitude for her faith, saying, “Thanks, first and foremost, to Jesus, who has sustained me every step of the way.” She stressed her determination to ensure lessons from her case are learned, highlighting concerns for the protection of NHS staff.
Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, Melle will pursue a legal claim at an employment tribunal in April, citing harassment, discrimination, victimisation, and breaches of her freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
She urged the NHS and Health Secretary Wes Streeting to implement policies in line with a Supreme Court ruling recognising biological sex, stating: “Men are men and women are women.” Melle also criticised the Royal College of Nursing, claiming she was “abandoned” and given no support during the process.
The NHS Trust issued a statement confirming her reinstatement:
“Following an investigation into a breach of patient confidentiality, we are pleased that a member of staff 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.”
