1,200 NHS workers are writing to bosses to demand the reinstatement of the word ‘woman’

NHS workers have called for the service to reintroduce the word ‘woman’ on its cancer and pregnancy websites.

More than 1,000 healthcare workers called for the change because at least 19 women’s health pages on the site do not include the term “woman” or, when used, are accompanied by inclusive language.

These include front pages on ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, menopause, childbirth and heavy periods, according to the Daily Telegraph.

1,200 NHS doctors, nurses and health practitioners have written to their bosses and four UK Chief Nursing Officers to address the ‘discriminatory’ change ‘harms women’.

The letter, which was given to the Daily Telegraph, said: “Removing gendered language is discriminatory and could challenge the NHS legally.

More than 1,000 healthcare workers called for the opportunity, as at least 19 women’s health pages on the site do not use the term “woman” or, when used, it is accompanied by inclusive language

1,200 NHS doctors, nurses and health practitioners have written to their bosses and four UK Chief Nursing Officers to address the ‘discriminatory’ change ‘harms women’.

“We call for the reintroduction of gender-sensitive, respectful communication that meets women’s health needs.

“In particular, the NHS needs to use women’s words for women’s bodies and women’s health issues.

“NHS.UK health news shows a lack of concern for women, is disrespectful and offends women.”

The Clinical Advisory Network on Sex and Gender wrote the letter after realizing many NHS.UK websites had started Use of terms such as “you”, “people” or “person”.

The NHS miscarriage guide page previously read: ‘For most women, a miscarriage is a one-off event and you will have a successful pregnancy in the future’, it has now been changed to ‘most people’.

The letter’s signatories include four former NHS Trust executives, Maura Buchanan, a former President of the Royal College of Nursing, and two colleagues.

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