By Tony O’Reilly-
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins(pictured) has unveiled plans to overhaul the NHS Constitution.
Under this fresh initiative, trans women will be banned from female-only wards, and also give female patients the right to request to be treated by a doctor of the same sex for intimate care.
This initiative comes amidst debates surrounding inclusivity, language clarity, and patient rights in healthcare settings.
Atkins emphasized that the term “woman” should not be eradicated from language in the pursuit of inclusivity, announcing intentions to revise the NHS Constitution to ensure that biological sex is respected.
The proposed changes seek to address concerns about language usage, particularly in maternity care, where pregnant women were referred to as “service users,” potentially excluding them from the conversation.
Furthermore, the planned revisions aim to uphold the right of hospital patients in England to request treatment on single-sex wards, with transgender individuals accommodated in separate rooms upon request.
Victoria Atkins said: ‘We want to make it abundantly clear that if a patient wants same-sex care they should have access to it wherever reasonably possible.
‘We have always been clear that sex matters and our services should respect that.
‘By putting this in the NHS Constitution we’re highlighting the importance of balancing the rights and needs of all patients to make a healthcare system that is faster, simpler and fairer for all.’
This move reflects efforts to balance the rights and needs of all patients while ensuring privacy, dignity, and safety.
Acknowledging potential criticisms from trans rights activists, Atkins defended the proposed changes as a return to common sense, emphasizing the importance of women’s well-being and safety.
Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters, welcomed the explicit reference to biological sex, highlighting its significance for those requiring same-sex intimate care within the NHS.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of these changes on transgender and non-binary patients’ access to vital NHS services.
Critics warn that the proposed revisions could exacerbate discrimination and harassment against marginalized groups, calling for careful consideration and consultation.
In response to the proposed changes, Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of delivering rights in practice, pledging Labour’s support for single-sex wards and advocating for staff, investment, and NHS reform to ensure safe patient care.
The planned NHS Constitution overhaul, subject to an eight-week consultation, also includes commitments to providing families with second opinions in critical situations, reinforcing the rights of unpaid carers, and addressing access inequalities among different demographic groups.
The new document will also aim to ensure different biological needs are met, and that illnesses and conditions that impact men and women in different ways are communicated clearly to patients.