NHS Nurse Falsely Suspended Over Patient’s Pregnancy Claim
An NHS nurse, Jessica Thorpe, recently won an unfair dismissal claim after facing a two-year ban due to allegations that she was pregnant with a male patient’s child. The controversy began in April 2020, when a patient known only as Patient X at a secure facility for men involved in the criminal justice system accused Thorpe of an inappropriate relationship. Despite Patient X’s death in December of that year, Thorpe was suspended by the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
Thorpe, who also ran social media accounts under the name Slice of Jess and earned nearly £20,000 per year, was eventually cleared from the accusations. However, she was left in limbo as the trust delayed providing her with an outcome letter. During her suspension, Thorpe transitioned into a food influencer on Instagram, garnering over 50,000 followers and increasing her income significantly.
After a prolonged legal battle, an employment tribunal ruled in Thorpe’s favor, upholding her claims of unfair constructive dismissal, breach of contract, and unlawful deduction of wages. The tribunal acknowledged Thorpe’s desire to pursue a career as a social media influencer as a significant reason for her resignation from the trust. Thorpe’s pay-out will be determined in a future hearing.
This case sheds light on the complexities faced by individuals caught in wrongful accusations within professional settings. It also highlights the growing influence of social media platforms in shaping career trajectories, even amid challenging circumstances. Thorpe’s resilience and eventual triumph in the face of adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and staying true to one’s aspirations.