Psychiatrist challenges NHS trust over single-sex ward policy

A consultant psychiatrist has launched legal action against Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, claiming its policy on transgender patients placed vulnerable women at risk.

The doctor, identified only as Dr A, said a transgender woman was admitted to a female psychiatric ward and later exposed herself to other patients. Some of the women receiving treatment were detained under the Mental Health Act and had previously experienced sexual violence.

According to the doctor’s account, the patient was initially transferred to a male ward after concerns were raised but was later returned to the female ward following intervention by trust managers.

Dr A said she repeatedly asked the trust to review its policy following the Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to biological sex. She has described the trust’s response to her concerns as inadequate and lodged an employment tribunal claim.

The case remains ongoing and the allegations have not yet been tested by a tribunal. It comes amid a wider review of NHS guidance covering same-sex accommodation, privacy and the treatment of transgender patients.

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