NHS: Single-sex Provision for Staff and Patients

Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town Excerpts

Wednesday 8th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Thornton (Lab)]

My Lords, would the Minister agree—

[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.

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I know that everybody in your Lordships’ House will take the view that the NHS is there both as an employer—as all employers are; this is not specific to the NHS—and in its service to patients. It is there to treat all with the right dignity and respect. We have a legislative framework to which reference can always be made. We will see what further guidance is needed—and that may be to all employers, not just the NHS. Again, I cannot emphasise enough the need for careful consideration and the involvement of all staff, on what has to be a trust-wide basis, because everybody is different in terms of their estate and what their challenges may be. It is not as simple as numbers: it is about fairness and dignity for all.

[Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Lab)]

My Lords—

[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?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

There is, of course, already a definition in legislation of what that means. I know my noble friend will understand that I cannot predict what the guidance will be, but I will certainly pick up the point she has made.