The NHS Chief who was in charge during the Sandie Peggie tribunal has announced plans to retire early.
Carol Potter’s announcement comes as legal teams await a ruling in the high-profile employment tribunal involving Sandie Peggie and Dr Beth Upton.
Ms Potter assumed the interim chief executive position in January 2020 before securing the permanent appointment in September that year.
Her departure will take effect in summer 2026, with NHS Fife confirming that procedures to select her replacement will be established.
The tribunal centres on events from Christmas Eve 2023, when Peggie encountered Dr Upton in the female changing facilities at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
Peggie, who works as an A&E nurse, was subsequently suspended after raising objections to the transgender doctor’s presence in the room.
The precise nature of their exchange remains contested. Peggie testified that she informed Dr Upton “that he was a man and should not be in the female changing room”, explaining she was “trying to give [Dr Upton] an example of how I and other women feel”.
Dr Upton’s account differs, stating that Peggie declared it was “inappropriate for me to be in there” and was left feeling “really, really upset” after the confrontation.
Ms Peggie has brought legal action against both her employer and Dr Upton, alleging she experienced discrimination and harassment through being required to share female facilities with someone she considers male.
Russell Findlay, who leads the Scottish Conservatives, demanded Ms Potter’s departure alongside the entire board.
Mr Findlay describing the tribunal proceedings as an “ongoing slow-motion car crash”.
The MSP for West Scotland insisted that if they declined to leave voluntarily, the Scottish Government should intervene to dismiss them.
Russell Findlay MSP called the row an ‘ongoing slow-motion car crash’
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GETTYFurther complications emerged when NHS Fife released a contentious 1,700-word statement on July 18 whilst the tribunal was in session, attempting to counter what the board termed “misinformation” about the proceedings.
David Hamilton, the Scottish Information Commissioner, condemned the release as “petulant” and warned it “cast doubt” on earlier commitments regarding Freedom of Information handling.
The statement underwent multiple revisions after criticism from both the tribunal and Hamilton, who cautioned that the board might face contempt proceedings in the Court of Session.
Ms Potter expressed pride in her tenure, stating: “It has been a privilege to serve as chief executive of NHS Fife and to work alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues across health and social care.”
Dr Beth Upton arriving at the tribunal
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PAShe highlighted achievements including the pandemic response and establishing what she termed a “values-led culture” within the organisation.
“After more than 30 years in the NHS, I feel the time is right to hand over to a new chief executive who will continue to build on this strong foundation,” Potter said.
She emphasised her belief in the organisation’s future, citing “dedicated leaders, a clear direction, and a culture of continuous learning” as reasons for her confidence.
Potter thanked staff for their “professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our patients and communities.”