The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code (2018) emphasises the fundamental requirement for nurses to deliver compassionate, non-discriminatory care to all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. This expectation extends to the care of transgender individuals, reinforcing the professional obligation to uphold standards that prioritise dignity, respect and equality. Nurses must recognise the unique healthcare needs of transgender people, challenging discriminatory attitudes and ensuring that their practice is inclusive and person-centred. By doing so, nurses contribute to creating safe, supportive healthcare environments where every individual feels valued and respected, in alignment with the NMC's Code and broader principles of human rights and social justice.
The Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under the Equality Act 2010, will have implications for gender-related policies and practices across health and care sectors. This ruling may be a source of uncertainty and concern for some patients and also for some employees. The NHS is reviewing guidance on same-sex accommodation and, as part of this process, it will have to take into account all relevant legislation. The NHS may potentially offer private rooms to transgender patients, balancing respect for gender identity with legal definitions of sex. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), following the UK Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd (Appellant) v The Scottish Ministers (Respondent) [2025], is working to update its statutory and non-statutory guidance. It has produced an interim update on the practical implications of the judgment (EHRC, 2025).
Broadening urology services to meet the needs of transgender individuals must remain a key priority, particularly in light of the recent ruling so that the rights of trans people are upheld and they remain able to access high-quality equitable health care.
This legal development highlights the urgent need for healthcare systems, including urology departments, to adapt their services in a way that acknowledges and respects gender diversity. Urology services were traditionally designed around binary notions of sex. Now they are evolving to provide competent, affirming and person-centred care to transgender patients, ensuring access to appropriate procedures, screenings and support. Embracing this inclusive approach not only aligns with legal and ethical standards but also promotes health equity and trust within an often marginalised population.
Urological nurses are increasingly required to provide care for transgender patients undergoing gender-affirming surgeries, manage complications that are related to reconstructive urology and deliver sensitive care for common urological conditions in a way that is inclusive of each individual's gender identity. This necessitates not only technical competence but also an in-depth understanding of gender diversity, the psychosocial dimensions of gender transition and the importance of using appropriate, affirming language. By continuing to embrace a more inclusive approach, urological nurses play a critical role in reducing health inequalities, fostering trust and ensuring that transgender individuals receive dignified, respectful and evidence-based urological care.
Over the past decade, issues surrounding gender identity have increasingly come to the forefront of public discourse, driven by heightened social awareness, advocacy movements and changes in legal and policy frameworks (Pearce et al, 2019). Greater visibility of transgender and non-binary individuals has challenged traditional binary understandings of gender, highlighting the need for more nuanced, inclusive approaches within health care and society at large. As a result, there has been growing recognition of the distinct health needs of and disparities faced by transgender populations, necessitating a commitment from health professionals to deliver equitable, person-centred care that is respectful. Practitioners must engage in continuous education, reflect critically on their own practice and actively work to dismantle structural barriers to care.
Commissioners of services, policymakers, healthcare providers and advocacy groups must continue to work collaboratively to create healthcare environments that are supportive, safe and inclusive for transgender individuals. All nurses have a professional and ethical responsibility to actively promote and protect the rights and dignity of every individual they care for and work alongside. Upholding these principles is not optional but is embedded within the NMC Code (2018). By fostering inclusivity within clinical practice and workplace cultures, nurses play a vital role in ensuring that the NHS remains a place where every person, whether a patient or a member of staff, feels respected, valued and safe. Sustained commitment to education, reflection and advocacy is essential to ensure that progress towards equity and inclusion for trans people within health care is not only maintained but strengthened over time.
Central to the role of the nurse and the principles of nursing practice are the core skills of listening without judgement, expressing genuine empathy, and consistently displaying kindness. Together, these fundamental qualities not only foster therapeutic relationships but also underpin compassionate, patient-centred care that is responsive to the needs of each person.