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Staff must use Xey/Xem pronouns or apologize at UK hospital

Feb 23, 2026, 10:33 AM20
(Update: Feb 23, 2026, 4:30 PM)
Publicly-funded healthcare system in Wales

Staff must use Xey/Xem pronouns or apologize at UK hospital

  • NHS staff have received guidance to use 'Xey/Xem' pronouns as part of inclusivity efforts.
  • The trust emphasized the importance of correcting mistakes regarding pronouns and apologizing when needed.
  • Critics argue this policy may affect patient care and complicate communication in clinical settings.
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In February 2025, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in south London initiated a policy allowing staff to use the gender-neutral pronouns 'Xey/Xem' for colleagues who prefer them. This directive, aimed at fostering inclusivity in the workplace, was based on training materials that highlighted various pronoun options, including traditional and neopronouns. The trust emphasized the importance of using the correct pronouns, stating that if staff made mistakes, they should apologize promptly and move on. According to the hospital, this approach was designed to create a welcoming environment for individuals identifying outside traditional gender norms. The announcement received significant media coverage and sparked debate regarding the appropriateness of using such language in a healthcare setting. Critics, including women's rights advocates, argued that insisting on specific pronoun usage may detract from patient care and could lead to confusion or misidentification in clinical situations. They expressed concerns that prioritizing linguistic guidelines over biological accuracy might compromise the quality of care, with implications for patient safety. As this policy rolls out, it reflects a broader societal trend towards recognizing and accommodating the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community. By promoting the use of nonbinary pronouns, NHS trusts intend to signal support for individuals who do not fit within the traditional gender binary. However, the backlash highlights ongoing tensions between inclusivity initiatives and the traditional framework of gender identity in medical contexts. The incident also comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling emphasizing that the definition of a woman is determined by biological sex, reigniting discussions around language and gender in professional settings. Some healthcare professionals have argued that while fostering inclusion is important, it should not come at the expense of clear communication and understanding among staff and patients. The balance between adhering to inclusive practices and maintaining clinical clarity continues to be a contentious issue in the NHS and beyond.

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