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NHS Fife has called in police after staff faced threats of "physical harm and sexual violence" during a high-profile employment tribunal case. The health board said the threats emerged from "significant and very polarised debate" on social media surrounding the case.
The tribunal involves nurse Sandie Peggie, who was suspended after complaining about sharing a changing room with transgender medic Dr Beth Upton at Victoria Hospital on Christmas Eve 2023. Legal costs for the case have now reached £258,831, an increase of £38,000 in just one month.
Police involvement over threats
NHS Fife released a statement defending its actions and addressing what it called "misinformation" online. The health board said some social media debate had "evolved into much more worrying behaviour, including a threat of physical harm and sexual violence, which has required the involvement of Police Scotland".
The statement criticised the charity Sex Matters, which is funding Peggie's legal team, for allegedly "steering public opinion". NHS Fife pointed out that Sex Matters' chief executive was called as a witness by Peggie, whilst the claimant's barrister also chairs the organisation.
Investigation not punitive, board insists
The health board insisted its investigation into Peggie "were not punitive" and clarified that the probe was launched due to allegations concerning patient care, not the transgender changing room complaint. These patient care allegations were not upheld following a disciplinary hearing on 25 June.
NHS Fife said the 18-month investigation was "fair and impartial" and stressed that "the disciplinary process was initiated due to concerns raised about interactions with a colleague and patient care". The health board is liable for the first £25,000 of legal costs, with the majority covered by the Central Legal Office and National Services Scotland.
Charity hits back at criticism
Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters, described NHS Fife's statement as "an extraordinary intervention". She said the health board had "dug itself into a reputational black hole" and suggested the criticism showed "desperation".
When the statement was mentioned at Friday's tribunal hearing, Peggie's junior counsel Charlotte Elves said it caused "some concern". Jane Russell KC, representing NHS Fife, told the tribunal that witnesses had been "exposed to a very unsafe environment" with threats made to both witnesses and legal representatives.
Facilities review under way
NHS Fife acknowledged the Supreme Court's recent ruling on single-sex spaces and said work was under way across its estate to identify where adaptations might be required. The review covers toilets, changing rooms and locker rooms to "improve facilities".
Judge Alexander Kemp said no participant should be intimidated and that such matters were for "the criminal courts and Police Scotland". The health board called for media coverage to be "respectful, fair, balanced, accurate, and distinguishes fact from opinion".
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
