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Ministers Tell Nurse EHRC Single‑Sex Code Will Not Govern NHS Workplaces

The government says the update is progressing through the normal process.

Overview

  • Jennifer Melle met Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson and Health Minister Karin Smyth after delivering a petition with tens of thousands of signatures urging publication of single‑sex guidance.
  • Phillipson said there is no delay in issuing the EHRC update and stated the code applies to services and associations, leaving workplace rules to NHS employers.
  • Melle was reinstated in January after a nine‑month suspension over misgendering a transgender paedophile patient, but she still faces two NMC fitness‑to‑practise investigations.
  • She has launched an employment‑tribunal case against Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, with a hearing scheduled for April, alleging discrimination and breaches of freedom of belief.
  • Her case has been linked to wider NHS disputes, including findings for seven Darlington nurses over single‑sex changing facilities and the suspension of Scottish nurse Sandie Peggie.