SANDIE Peggie has denied making a racist comment after allegations emerged during the employment tribunal against NHS Fife.
Witnesses Dr Elspeth Pitt, a consultant in emergency medicine, and Louise Curran, a senior charge nurse and Peggie's line manager, gave evidence on Friday.
Pitt was the first person to see Dr Beth Upton after her altercation with Peggie, while Curran gave insight into Peggie's character.
The Herald reported Curran told Ms Russell KC that she had heard Peggie had views on "religion, race and politics" through conversations with other staff members.
She stated that she had heard 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 went on to reference a comment allegedly made by 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 Peggie "strongly denied" claims of racism.
She said: "The inference is I am racist 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."
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," she said.
Peggie was suspended from work at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on January 3 2024 after Dr Upton made an allegation of bullying and harassment, the tribunal heard earlier this year.
Earlier this week it emerged she had been cleared of all internal disciplinary charges.
Peggie's solicitor, Margaret Gribbon, said: “On Tuesday, 14th July, the evening before the resuming of her tribunal, Sandie Peggie received confirmation from Fife Health Board that following a disciplinary hearing, none of the gross misconduct allegations against her were upheld.
“Sandie is relieved and delighted that this 18-month-long internal process has concluded and cleared her of all allegations.”
Last week, it emerged NHS Fife had spent more than £220,000 defending itself in the employment tribunal, which is expected to last several more days.
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.
