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The key points as Sandie Peggie denies racism allegation

The key points as Sandie Peggie denies racism allegation

Witnesses Dr Espeth Pitt, a consultant in emergency medicine, and Louise Curran, a senior charge nurse - and Ms Peggie's line manager - gave evidence.
Dr Pitt was the first person to see Dr Upton after her altercation with Ms Peggie, while Ms Curran gives us insight into Ms Peggie's character.
Here are the key points you may have missed from today's session at the Dundee Tribunal Centre, on Friday, July 18.
Peggie allegedly made 'racist comment'
Ms Curran's begins her evidence by detailing the character of Sandie Peggie.
The senior charge nurse told Ms Russell KC that she had heard Ms Peggie had views on "religion, race and politics" through conversations with other staff members.
She states that she had heard Ms Peggie was not happy about transgender staff using female facilities, before stating: "I believe there had been a racist comment to one of our junior doctors who is now a consultant."
She referenced a comment allegedly made by Ms Peggie that she was unhappy with different types of food being cooked in the staff room by an Asian staff member.
Bundles of evidence seen by The Herald said Ms Peggie "strongly denied" claims of racism.
The bundle showed that when asked if this showed a lack of tolerance by Ms Peggie, Ms Curran said: "Yes."
Ms Peggie strongly denied this and criticised the seriousness of the allegations.
"The inference is I am racism and if Louise Curran is going to level such a serious allegation, then she should provide the names of the staff she states gave her this information."
Ms Peggie also pointed out that she works nightshift and would not be present during staff lunch periods.
"I work night shifts only and so I'm never present at work when staff doctors are preparing their lunches. The team is extremely diverse from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and I have a good working relationship with all colleagues."
Dr Beth Upton was 'crying so much'
Dr Pitt, who saw Dr Upton shortly after the altercation reportedly took place, said the medic appeared "very shaken and visibly distressed and upset".
The tribunal heard that Dr Upton's demeanour was "different" compared to how the medic had been earlier while on shift.
Dr Pitt took Dr Upton into the wellbeing room where Dr Upton gave an account of the incident with Ms Peggie.
We heard that Dr Upton believed a "very upsetting interaction" had taken place, with Dr Pitt telling Jane Russell, KC, who represents NHS Fife, that Dr Upton felt "very cornered".
Dr Pitt recalled the conversation had something to do with "likening" Dr Upton's use of the female changing room to "the situation with a convicted rapist".
The consultant said: "I clearly remember just feeling very, very, very sad because that must have been so hurtful to hear. I felt very sad when I heard that comment.
"I had to comfort Dr Upton. She was crying so much."
Dr Pitt then walked Dr Upton to their car to ensure that if an encounter happened with Ms Peggie, it could be de-escalated.
There was some back and forth in cross examination from Charlotte Elves, who was standing in for Naomi Cunningham.
Ms Elves suggested Dr Pitt did not consider the incident so serious, otherwise she would have immediately escalated it. Dr Pitt did not agree with this. She did what she thought was right on Christmas Eve, she said.
Peggie's actions 'condemned' in mass email
The tribunal heard that Dr Pitt was among 20 consultants to receive an email from Dr Kate Searle, who was also Dr Upton's line manager. In that email, details of the incident on Christmas eve were shared.
Dr Pitt defended this email, arguing it was simply sent to notify consultants that Dr Upton's shifts could be changed and that the medic may appear upset at work.
However, when it came to cross examination from Ms Elves, we learn Dr Searle "condemned" the actions of Ms Peggie in the mass email.
Read more:
The barrister asks whether it is fair to take a side in this kind of dispute but Dr Pitt said she did not see it as taking sides.
The email specifically said "we support" Dr Upton, suggesting Dr Searle was speaking on behalf of around 20 consultants, Ms Elves said.
"That's an email condemning Sandie's actions to 20 of the most senior clinical staff," Ms Elves said.
Neil Gray has 'confidence' in NHS Fife
It may not be surprising that Neil Gray has confidence in the under fire health board. He has said it before when quizzed on the details of the tribunal.
But he was asked by The Courier whether his opinion had changed since Ms Peggie was cleared by the health board of four allegations of gross misconduct, relating to her dispute with Dr Upton and patient care concerns.
Mr Gray said "of course" he had "confidence" in the health board's ability to continue to deliver NHS services to Fife residents.
Read more: Health minister confident in NHS Fife amid Sandie Peggie row
NHS Fife reveal new costs
In a statement on Friday, NHS Fife confirmed its defence in this case has reached £258,831.31.
However, the amount the health board pays is capped at £25,000 because it is part of a Scottish Government scheme known as Clinical Negligence and Other Risks Indemnity Scheme (CNORIS).
Taxpayers cover these costs.
The lengthy statement from the health board also states that Sex Matters, an organisation actively supporting Ms Peggie's case, had been "very active, making numerous statements which would appear are aimed at steering public opinion in a way that NHS Fife as a [[pub]]lic body clearly cannot".
It then states that the polarised debate on social media has "evolved into much more worrying behaviour, including a threat of physical harm and sexual violence, which has required the involvement of Police Scotland".
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