Key facts
- New NHS England guidance requires single-sex wards to be used based on biological sex, not gender identity.
- An internal report found the policy could lead to delays and "corridor care" for transgender people.
- Transgender individuals may fear discrimination and avoid healthcare due to the new guidance.
- The policy may negatively impact relations between cisgender and transgender people.
- A 2025 Supreme Court ruling defined "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act as biological.
New guidance from NHS England mandates that single-sex wards, toilets, and changing rooms should be utilized based on biological sex rather than gender identity. This policy, detailed in an internal impact assessment seen by The Guardian, could lead to delays and increased "corridor care" for transgender individuals, potentially impacting their physical and mental health. The report also suggests a risk of discrimination, leading some transgender people to avoid seeking healthcare altogether. Furthermore, the guidance may negatively affect relations between cisgender and transgender individuals as staff navigate competing needs. The policy aligns with a 2025 Supreme Court ruling that interpreted "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act as referring strictly to biological sex. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has updated its code of practice accordingly, acknowledging potential disadvantages for transgender people.