Transgender individuals may face exclusion from single-sex hospital wards within the National Health Service (NHS), as part of an initiative aimed at reinstating “common sense” policies, according to Health Secretary Steve Barclay.
During his address at the Conservative party conference, Barclay unveiled plans to initiate a consultation process that would enhance existing safeguards for women within healthcare settings.
Guidance issued by the NHS in 2021 stipulated that trans individuals should be allocated to hospital wards corresponding to their self-identified gender. The proposed changes would deviate from this guidance, designating separate rooms and spaces for trans patients.
However, some medical professionals have raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing such measures, given the potential limitations in available facilities. Any policy change must also adhere to the legal standards outlined in the Equality Act.
The Equality Act permits the exclusion of trans individuals from single-sex areas if it can be demonstrated that doing so is proportionate and serves a legitimate purpose, such as ensuring privacy or safety.
Barclay emphasized the need to uphold the “dignity, safety, and privacy” of all patients while safeguarding the rights of women.
In addition to these proposed changes, the health secretary also revealed that sex-specific terminology has been fully reinstated on online NHS information pages related to cervical and ovarian cancer and menopause.
“We require a commonsense approach to address sex and equality issues within the NHS. This is why today I am introducing proposals for clearer patient rights,” stated Barclay.
However, Cleo Madeleine, spokesperson for the trans-led charity Gendered Intelligence, expressed disappointment with the announcement, saying, “The NHS has traditionally adopted a commonsense approach based on patients’ preferences and needs, and this system has not generated widespread complaints. Trans individuals are already less likely to seek medical care due to concerns of judgment, and statements like these only reinforce those fears.”
On the other hand, Maya Forstater from the Sex Matters campaign group hailed the announcement as “fantastic news,” highlighting concerns about gender ideology influencing healthcare practices.
Dr. Vishal Sharma of the British Medical Association questioned the practicality of the proposed changes, suggesting that many hospitals might encounter significant challenges in accommodating such alterations, particularly since single rooms are often limited and reserved primarily for infection control purposes.
