The Health Secretary is worried garbled language risks harming patients, a close ally said. The word “women” had been replaced with phrases such as “anyone with ovaries” in an attempt to be inclusive. But NHS Digital has been ordered to think again — and told to run any future changes past senior officials at the Department of Health.
Among web pages affected are ones on diseases that affect only those born female. Child health expert Dr Karleen Gribble, a professor at Western Sydney University, warned: “De-sexed language is less accessible.
“Many people do not even know if they have a cervix or prostate. But they do understand men or women. The potential harm is people don’t respond to public health messaging. It might result in a fatal delay in seeking health care.” Last night, NHS Digital said: “We keep the pages under continual review to ensure they use language that is inclusive, respectful and relevant.”