New NHS England policy for trans people could have ‘a number of adverse impacts’, report finds
Summary
NHS England has introduced new rules that require people to use hospital wards, toilets, and changing rooms based on their biological sex, not their gender identity. An internal NHS report warns this could cause delays and possible discrimination for transgender people, affecting their health and willingness to seek care.Key Facts
- The new policy requires single-sex hospital spaces to be used according to biological sex, not gender identity.
- Trans people might face delays and “corridor care” (being cared for in hallways) if side rooms are unavailable.
- The policy could cause some trans patients to fear discrimination by being identified as transgender in hospital wards.
- NHS reports potential conflicts between the needs of cisgender and transgender patients due to the policy.
- Some women who do not appear to fit societal expectations may be questioned about their sex to access single-sex wards.
- The policy is based on a 2025 UK Supreme Court ruling defining “woman” and “sex” as biological terms in the Equality Act.
- NHS England says clinical need should be prioritized and decisions about placement should be made case by case.
- The policy does not apply in emergency (A&E) or intensive care units.
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