Nurses who claim they were made to share a changing room with a transgender colleague have said they are prepared to sue the NHS.
A group of 26 female hospital nurses have complained about having to share a room with the woman who is yet to receive gender reassignment surgery.
They have issued a formal complaint alleging their colleague had taken a “keen interest” in hospital staff as they undressed.
The complaint also detailed the nurses’ shock to hear the transgender woman had stopped taking female hormones and was trying for a baby.
They surmised the situation as “intimidating and upsetting”, but have alleged they were told by HR managers to “broaden their mindset” and “be educated”.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, six of the nurses said they would take legal action at an employment tribunal in what is thought to be the first case of its kind.
They plan to bring a case against the NHS trust in the North East, with the help of organisation the Christian Legal Centre, alleging sexual harassment and sexual discrimination.
One nurse alleged that they do not feel safe around their transgender colleague as they “strip down to our underwear” while they walk “around the changing room” while wearing boxer shorts.
Another added that they were left “close to tears” following one incident in the changing room.
The nurse, who developed post-traumatic stress disorder after being sexually abused as a child, said she was “rummaging in my bag trying to find my lanyard and keys for the locker” when she heard a man’s voice behind her.
She said they asked whether she was “getting changed yet” multiple times and stood behind her in their underwear.
NHS staff policy allows workers to use the facilities that match the gender with which they identify and requires that “alternative arrangements must be provided” if this is deemed inappropriate.
A spokesperson for NHS Trust said it was aware of the recent issues and “taking these very seriously” while being “committed to providing an inclusive and respectful work environment for all employees”.
They added: “We would like to assure our employees and the wider community that as soon as these issues were brought to our attention, we initiated meetings to fully understand the needs and concerns of the staff members under our resolution policy.
“We recognise that this is a hugely sensitive issue and as well as taking into consideration the feedback and concerns raised by the team, we are working to adhere to legal requirements and best practices.
“We are committed to working together with all parties to find a solution that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and fairness.
“As our internal processes continue it would not be appropriate to comment in any further detail at this stage.”
