NHS bosses are claimed to have told nurses a transgender colleague would allow them to “broaden their mindset”, a tribunal has heard.
Seven nurses are taking on a health trust after being left “appalled” by a decision to allow the colleague to use the same changing room by them.
Bethany Hutchison is the lead claimant of seven nurses claiming sexual discrimination and sexual harassment because Rose Henderson, who was born male but identifies as a woman, was able to use female changing rooms.
Ms Hutchison claimed her ward manager said in April last year that the trust “were in support of Rose” and that 26 nurses who had signed a letter of concern about the situation “had to be educated, broaden our mindset and be more inclusive”.
She told the tribunal that she and her colleagues felt they had been branded as “troublemakers” by hospital administrators after voicing their objections.
The trust’s legal team has disputed these characterisations, arguing that the nurses are exaggerating their accounts of Henderson’s behaviour.
According to the trust’s lawyers, these complaints form part of a broader dispute about single-sex facilities rather than specific incidents.
The tribunal heard that tensions arose after the nurses challenged the trust’s approach to transgender staff accessing changing rooms based on their gender identity rather than biological sex.
The nurses are taking on an NHS trust
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PA
The nurses have filed claims encompassing sexual harassment, discrimination, victimisation and violations of their right to privacy under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The tribunal documentation reveals that the trust’s policy allows staff members to select their “gender identity” and access single-sex changing rooms accordingly, irrespective of biological sex or gender reassignment status.
The complainants work in the day surgery unit, where they must arrive in civilian clothing and change into uniforms at the hospital, with additional changes required if they leave during breaks.
Employment tribunal judge Seamus Sweeney has directed that Henderson be referred to as “Rose” or “they” throughout proceedings.
The trust has declined to comment whilst the tribunal remains active, citing its commitment to maintaining an inclusive workplace for all staff.
The nurses’ claim is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre.
The hearing continues.