UK News: Health Secretary Backs Nurses’ Call for Single-Sex Spaces in NHS Facilities
“I cannot say to you that you need to change your mindset. I don’t think that is healthy or fair.”
In a significant move, Health Secretary Wes Streeting met with five Darlington nurses advocating for the protection of single-sex changing rooms and toilets within the NHS. The nurses, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, presented a petition signed by 48,000 people to Number 10 Downing Street, urging the government to take decisive action.
During the 45-minute meeting, Streeting reiterated his commitment to ensuring that biological sex is respected in the day-to-day operations of the NHS. The meeting followed a previous statement where he expressed his concern over the case and the need for reform.
The nurses initiated legal action against the County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust after being compelled to share changing spaces with a male staff member, identifying as a woman, at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Despite their concerns, the Trust’s policies allow staff identifying as the opposite gender to access single-sex spaces, a policy the nurses feel disregards the safety and comfort of women.
Mr. Streeting voiced his support for the nurses, stating: “I cannot say to you that you need to change your mindset. I don’t think that is healthy or fair.” He emphasized the importance of single-sex spaces, acknowledging that society has moved backwards on equality, creating unnecessary conflicts.
Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, praised the outcome of the meeting, saying, “We are now hoping that common sense can be restored to the NHS to ensure safe spaces for women at work.”
The Health Secretary pledged to discuss the issue with NHS leadership, signaling potential policy changes that could reinforce the protection of single-sex spaces across healthcare facilities.
