Summary
An employment tribunal ruled that a hospital violated the dignity of female nurses who complained about a transgender woman using their changing room. The tribunal found that the hospital created a hostile environment but dismissed some other claims made by the nurses. The nurses felt that their concerns were not taken seriously by management.
Key Facts
- Eight nurses from Darlington Memorial Hospital complained about a transgender woman using their changing room.
- The nurses felt "penalised" by management for their objections.
- The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust followed a policy allowing use of facilities based on gender identity.
- The tribunal found that the trust created a hostile environment for the nurses.
- Allegations against the transgender woman's conduct in the changing room were dismissed as "not well founded."
- The tribunal said the policy violated the dignity of the nurses.
- Management did not seriously consider the nurses' concerns as potential discrimination.
- A separate changing area was eventually provided for those who complained.
