UK Health Secretary Proposes NHS Constitution Changes to Prioritize Biological Sex

The proposed amendments aim to ensure clarity in healthcare language and uphold patients' rights to single-sex wards and care.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins announces plans to revise the NHS Constitution to respect biological sex, sparking debate over inclusivity.
Proposed changes include the right for patients to request single-sex wards and care, with provisions for transgender individuals to have private rooms.
Medical associations express concerns that the changes could limit access to care for transgender and non-binary patients.
The amendments are part of a broader effort to clarify healthcare language and improve patient care, including the introduction of Martha's Rule following a patient safety incident.
The NHS Constitution review occurs every ten years, with the current proposals open for an eight-week public consultation.