UPDATE: A transgender nurse is at the center of a legal battle regarding her use of female changing facilities at Darlington Memorial Hospital, and the emotional toll has been profound. Rose Henderson claims she has faced harassment and severe anxiety due to the controversy, as the case unfolds at the Civic Centre in Newcastle.
Henderson, who was born male and identifies as a woman, has taken leave from work multiple times since the allegations came to light. “I am not the individual they have painted me to be,” Henderson stated, highlighting the distress caused by online insults following the publicized claims.
Seven nurses have filed a complaint against the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, alleging misconduct related to Henderson’s use of the women’s changing room. Henderson vehemently denies the accusations, which include claims of inappropriate behavior such as staring at colleagues and asking if they were changing yet.
The tribunal heard that Henderson has used the female changing rooms for over four years without incident, becoming aware of the complaints only in March 2024. “I first learned that they had organized an open letter about me… making very personal comments about me,” she explained.
The statement submitted by Henderson reveals her struggle with both physical and emotional dysphoria, emphasizing, “I have never walked around the changing room wearing only boxer shorts. This would make me very uncomfortable.” The allegations have had a profound impact on her mental health, prompting her to seek support and take sick leave.
Henderson detailed the personal nature of the allegations, which have included comments about her health and private life. Following extensive press coverage on June 23, 2024, she found it increasingly difficult to cope with the scrutiny, leading her to request special leave starting on June 24, 2024. She returned to work on July 8, 2024, but now uses a separate changing room to mitigate discomfort.
The ongoing tribunal is set to explore the complexities of the case, as Henderson also raised a complaint about bullying and harassment linked to the allegations and press attention. “The press coverage has been difficult to read,” she stated. “Hearing things the claimants allege has been upsetting.”
As this case continues to develop, it raises important questions about trans rights and workplace inclusivity. The impact on Henderson’s life and career is evident, and the legal outcomes could influence policies at healthcare institutions across the UK.
Stay tuned for further updates as the tribunal progresses, highlighting the human impact of this contentious issue.
