Hospital Worker Defends Right to Use Female Changing Room Amid Nurse Objections

A hospital worker, Rose Henderson, is currently at the center of an employment tribunal. Rose is a transgender woman who is biologically male. Eight female nurses are challenging the policy allowing Rose to use a female-only changing room at work. Rose had used this facility for years without any problems.

Rose, an operating department practitioner, began working at Darlington Memorial Hospital in 2022. She had completed student placements there since 2019. Since her first day, Rose always used the female-only changing room. About 300 women also use this space.

The barrister for the nurses asked Rose why she didn’t consider a separate changing area. Other transgender colleagues had done this before. Rose stated she did not see it as necessary. She added that managers never raised the issue. Rose also said she never thought her presence would upset or frighten other users.

The complaints started in late 2023. Twenty-six women signed a letter of complaint in March 2024. The nurses objected to Rose’s use and alleged conduct in the room. Rose admitted she continued using the room even after knowing about the “discontent.” She maintained that she had a right to use the facility.