Birmingham NHS Trust Under Fire for Pronoun Training
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust is in hot water over its controversial pronoun guidance for staff dealing with transgender patients. The trust, which prides itself as a “values-based, inclusive organisation,” says using correct pronouns is a “simple but powerful” way to respect and support transgender patients and staff alike.
Training Advice Sparks Confusion and Criticism
The trust’s training, rolled out to 5,300 staff across 40 sites, was created by a Birmingham LGBT charity and delivered voluntarily three times a year. It tells staff to use “they/them” pronouns if unsure of a patient’s gender. Traditional terms like “lady” are to be swapped for neutral words such as “person” when the patient’s gender is unknown.
Staff are also warned not to judge pronouns by voice pitch during phone calls. Calling someone “sir” based on a deep voice is flagged as inappropriate if medical records list a female name.
Critics Call Policy ‘Dehumanising’ and Confusing
Fiona McAnena, director at campaign group Sex Matters, blasted the guidance as “dehumanising and uncaring.” She said patients deserve “the warmth and respect of normal human speech” instead of robotic avoidance of gendered language. McAnena warned the policy risks confusing non-native English speakers and urged a return to clear, familiar terms like “men” and “women.”
Trust Stands Firm Amid Backlash and NHS Review
Despite the backlash, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust insists the training will continue voluntarily three times a year. Meanwhile, NHS England is reviewing national guidance on transgender patient care—potentially reshaping policies across the country. Until then, trusts like Birmingham’s are left to decide their own rules on pronoun use and addressing patients.
