Nurse Influencer Wins Case After Patient Lied About Her Being Pregnant With His Child

A nurse who was falsely accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a patient has been awarded over £24,000 in compensation following a prolonged suspension that the tribunal deemed unfair. Jessica Thorpe, who later became a social media influencer, won her case against the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust after fighting allegations that significantly impacted her nursing career.

About The Case

The case began when a patient falsely claimed Thorpe was pregnant with his child. Despite a disciplinary hearing finding no evidence to support this serious allegation, Thorpe remained suspended for more than two years. She ultimately resigned in November 2022, just one month after finally being permitted to return to work, citing the Trust's failure to address damaging workplace gossip that had spread during her absence.

"The prolonged suspension and the employer's mishandling of internal rumors constituted a repudiatory breach of contract," the employment tribunal concluded in their ruling. The tribunal found in Thorpe's favor on all three counts she brought forward: constructive unfair dismissal, unlawful deduction of wages, and breach of contract.

A Career as a Social Media Influencer

During her extended suspension, Thorpe began creating monetized content on YouTube, developing an alternative career path as a social media influencer. Her social media income grew significantly during this period, rising from £4,211 in 2021 to £19,222 ( about $25,489.70 USD) in 2023, according to tax records presented at the tribunal. While the Trust attempted to argue that Thorpe had resigned specifically to pursue her influencer career, the tribunal rejected this claim, finding no contractual restrictions preventing her from earning additional income while the Trust was in breach of contract.

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A post shared by Jess Thorpe (@thesliceofjess)

The judge ordered the NHS Trust to pay Thorpe £24,118 in total compensation, covering her loss of earnings and acknowledging the negative professional and personal impact of the suspension.

This case highlights critical issues regarding how healthcare employers handle allegations against nursing staff. Research shows that false allegations against healthcare professionals can have devastating effects on their careers and mental health. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Nursing Management found that nurses who experience workplace allegations, even when later proven false, often suffer from anxiety, depression, and professional stigma that can persist long after formal clearance.

Following the ruling, Thorpe shared her emotional response in a social media video, stating: "5 years to the day that I got sent home suspended. Quite poetic. My shoulders have dropped. My jaw has unclenched. Finally I'm free".

For nurses facing similar situations, Thorpe's case demonstrates the value of pursuing legal remedies when workplace processes fail and the potential for rebuilding a career, albeit in a different direction, following such challenging professional circumstances.

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