NHS body revokes guidance advising hospitals to allow trans people to use chosen bathrooms
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NHS body quietly withdraws guidance over bathroom use for trans people
- The NHS Confederation has revoked guidance that advised hospitals to allow trans people to use bathrooms and changing rooms of their choice.
- The decision follows April's Supreme Court ruling that said the words "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act refer to biological sex, leading to disputes over equality policies.
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued interim guidance stating that trans women should not be permitted to use women’s facilities, which is being legally challenged.
- Trans rights groups and legal experts have criticised the NHS Confederation's decision, warning of legal complexities and potential harm to trans people needing medical care.
- The NHS Confederation said it will update and reinstate its guidance once the EHRC updates its Code of Practice and NHS England provides further instructions.