NHS bosses advise doctors to tell patients which pronouns they use
NHS bosses are advising doctors to tell patients which pronouns they would prefer to be addressed with.
A new training module asks medical professionals to disclose whether they refer to themselves as “he/him”, “she/them” or “they/them”.
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The move aims to create a “safe space” for transgender and non-binary patients – who make up 0.5 per cent of the UK population.
Advice can be found in a training guide from Health Education England, which critics say has a close relationship with LGBT charity Stonewall.
The module titled LGBTQIA+ Awareness states: “It is easiest to start by introducing yourself with your own pronoun.
“By doing so, you create a safe space for trans, non-binary, intersex and gender-nonconforming people who may not feel comfortable introducing themselves with pronouns first.”
The guidance also states that transgender workers must be permitted to use the toilet facilities for their gender, regardless of whether they have changed physically.
The NHS defended the module, insisting it was only optional for staff.
An NHS spokesman said: “While the NHS is committed to tackling health inequalities and improving access and experience for LGBT communities, this online module is not an NHS policy and is optional for staff.”
