Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he will take to ensure the recording of biological sex on medical records to ensure that appropriate sex-related care is offered.

National Health Service datasets include a field entitled 'Patient Stated Gender Code' with four options: male, female, indeterminate (unable to be classified as either male or female) and not known. This field collects information on sex for those whose gender is the same as their sex registered at birth. Details on sex for trans people and those who are intersex or who have disorders of sexual development should be recorded within their clinical notes to ensure safe and appropriate care.

The General Medical Council provides guidance on keeping clear, accurate and legible records. All patients should be given the care they need and treated with respect and dignity, in accordance with the values of the NHS. Investigations or treatment must be based on the assessment the clinician and their patient make of their needs and priorities and the clinician’s clinical judgement about the likely effectiveness of the options.