Dr Beth Upton: How a British doctor embroiled in a transgender row over a women-only changing room controversy is now working in Australia

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 02:41, 21 April 2026 | Updated: 02:41, 21 April 2026 A transgender doctor who was embroiled in a legal row over access to women-only changing facilities in Scotland is now working in Australia. Dr Beth Upton, who identifies as a woman, is listed as a registered medical practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).  Dr Upton is understood to be working at two NSW hospitals: Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Kempsey District Hospital. Dr Upton previously worked for NHS Fife in Scotland and was involved in a dispute at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.  The case arose after A&E nurse Sandie Peggie, 56, said she was uncomfortable sharing a women's dressing room with Dr Upton.  The dispute escalated in early 2024 after Dr Upton made a complaint against Ms Peggie, which led to the nurse being suspended from her role. Ms Peggie, a nurse with three decades of service, subsequently took legal action against NHS Fife.  The case concluded with findings that the health board had harassed her, a decision described by her supporters as a landmark ruling in relation to workplace rights and single‑sex spaces.  Beth Upton (pictured) who was embroiled in a changing room row in the UK is now in Australia NHS Fife later confirmed it had spent more than the equivalent of AU$754,000 on legal costs linked to the tribunal. NHS Fife has confirmed that Dr Upton left the health service at the end of 2025 but declined to comment further.  'As this is a personal employment matter, we will be making no further comment,' a spokesman said at the time.  The tribunal and its aftermath intensified debate across the UK about workplace policies, sex‑based rights and the management of disputes involving transgender staff, particularly within the NHS. Ms Peggie was suspended in January 2024 after Dr Upton made an allegation of bullying and harassment. Ms Peggie said she was 'beyond relieved' after Employment Judge Sandy Kemp found NHS Fife harassed her on four occasions. 'The last two years have been agonising for me and my family,' she said.  While Ms Peggie won part of her complaint against the health board, several claims were dismissed. Sandie Peggie (pictured) won her claim for harassment in an NHS case in Scotland in 2025 In a written judgment the harassment claim was upheld but allegations of discrimination, indirect discrimination and victimisation were dismissed.  Ms Peggie has indicated she will appeal the decisions.  Daily Mail contacted NSW Health for comment. Daily Mail attempted to contact Dr Upton for comment.  Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.