FridayOL

A dedicated NHS nurse has been forced to abandon her career after a patient fabricated a shocking and damaging rumour – claiming she was pregnant with his child. Jessica Thorpe, 31, from Newcastle, has spoken out about the ordeal, describing how the false allegation led to her being ostracised and ultimately pushed out of her job, leaving her feeling like a criminal.

Thorpe, a nurse with years of experience, was caring for the patient, who was struggling with mental health issues, when he made the unfounded claim. Despite her repeated denials and the lack of any evidence, the rumour quickly spread within the hospital, creating a hostile and isolating environment for Thorpe.

“It was absolutely devastating,” Thorpe told The Sun. “I tried to explain that it wasn’t true, but nobody wanted to listen. I was treated like I had done something wrong, like I was a criminal.” She described the emotional toll the situation took on her, saying she felt humiliated and betrayed by colleagues who didn’t offer support or believe her.

The hospital's handling of the situation has been heavily criticised. Thorpe alleges that instead of fully investigating the patient's false claim and supporting her, she was pressured to resign. “They basically made me choose between resigning and facing further disciplinary action,” she explained. “It felt like they were protecting the patient rather than me, the victim.”

The impact of this experience extends far beyond the loss of her job. Thorpe is now facing significant challenges in finding new employment in the healthcare sector, as the stigma associated with the false allegation continues to follow her. She is considering legal action against the hospital, arguing that they failed to protect her from the patient's false accusations and did not provide adequate support during the ordeal.

This case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare professionals, particularly those working with patients experiencing mental health difficulties. It also raises serious questions about the responsibility of healthcare institutions to protect their staff from false allegations and to ensure a fair and supportive work environment. Thorpe’s story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unfounded rumours and the importance of due process and support for those who find themselves wrongly accused.

“I just want to clear my name and for people to know the truth,” Thorpe concluded. “I dedicated my life to caring for others, and it’s heartbreaking to see my career destroyed by a lie.”