NHS: Single-sex Provision for Staff and Patients

Lord Kennedy of Southwark Excerpts

Wednesday 8th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Lab)]

My Lords, NHS England wrote to me on the—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

I think we will hear from the noble Baroness, Lady Thornton, first.

[Baroness Thornton (Lab)]

My Lords, would the Minister agree that once again we must reinforce the need to treat everyone with compassion, dignity and respect, especially in media reports that discuss protected characteristics and cases of alleged discrimination?

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Cashman (Non-Afl)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

We will hear from the noble Baroness, Lady Hayter.

[Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Lab)]

NHS England wrote to me to confirm that any patient can choose the sex of a chaperone. Will the new guidance define what is meant by “sex” in that case?