Mick Hartley

The early days of the Sandie Peggie case:

NHS Fife’s bid to resolve the changing room clash between Sandie Peggie and Beth Upton was thrown into disarray when the row exploded into the public eye.

The health board had urged the Kirkcaldy nurse to stay quiet about her suspension while she was being investigated.

But emails show how worried NHS Fife staff reacted when it became clear Ms Peggie’s story was about to hit national headlines.

Ms Peggie did not initially go to the media when she was suspended following her confrontation with Dr Upton on Christmas Eve in 2023.

But she did contact Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy Alba MP Neale Hanvey, who took an interest in the case.

Private messages from Ms Peggie to a friend show Mr Hanvey was lobbying the Victoria Hospital nurse to go public with her ordeal.

“I don’t mind who knows the truth,” Ms Peggie wrote….

Emails show health board staff were fearful of the impact this would have on Dr Upton.

But entirely unconcerned about the impact on Sandie Peggie of having to change in front of a man.

They were particularly worried about a press release from Mr Hanvey referring to the Victoria Hospital doctor as a “trans identifying male”.

Nicola Robertson, director of nursing, wrote on June 28: “I am concerned for the member of staff to whom this is referring and wondered if anyone might be able to give her the heads up this press release is coming from a parliamentary candidate.

“The terminology is completely wrong and she should not be referred to as a ‘trans identifying male’.

“I worry this may cause additional upset.”

So so desperate to protect Upton from the horror of being misgendered. But of course a ‘trans identifying male’ is exactly what he is.

Belinda Morgan, the emergency care general manager, flagged Mr Hanvey’s press statement to Kate Searle, Dr Upton’s supervisor.

“I know you are supporting Beth so not sure if you want to give her the heads up about this and offer any support required,” she wrote.

Dr Searle replied three days later, after the story had broken.

“Oh dear,” the consultant wrote.

“This is so awful.”

Oh dear indeed.