Darlington nurses have met with Wes Streeting amid a legal row that has seen them demand women's access to single-sex spaces in the NHS. 

Their "landmark" employment tribunal was sparked after a trans woman was allowed to use female changing rooms at Darlington Memorial Hospital, run by County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT).

In summer the group of nurses spoke out publicly about "feeling unsafe" because of the situation. Earlier this month they set up a union -  the Darlington Nurses Union (DNU) - to help in their battle for firmer rules on single-sex spaces.

(Image: Christian Concern)

The nurses, who are being supported by the Christian Legal Centre, also handed in a CitizenGo petition signed by 48,000 people calling for the government to do "whatever is necessary" to ensure women have access to single-sex changing rooms and toilets.

The meeting followed a statement Mr Streeting made in the lead-up to the General Election in June when he said on Twitter that he was "horrified" by their case and wanted to meet.

The women say that they have been "repeatedly ignored" by CDDFT for raising concerns over the trust's policy to permit staff to access single-sex changing rooms, toilets, and showers based on identity. 

Darlington nurse, and President of the DNU, Bethany Hutchison made him aware of the Trust’s policy and Mr Streeting said he wanted to go away and speak to NHS leadership about how to navigate the issue.

(Image: Christian Concern) Ms Hutchinson said: "We were nervous going into the meeting, but he put us at ease, gave us time and listened, which was encouraging. We now, however, need to see firm action from Wes and a clear consensus from the government and the NHS on these issues.

“We are not doing this just for nurses. We are doing this for women across the country, for example those who are working in the police force, but also for sisters, daughters and mothers everywhere.”

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The Northern Echo has approached CDDFT for a response but they did not respond at the time of publication.

Previously, a spokesperson for the Trust said: "The Trust is working with the clinical teams and within the space available to provide additional alternative arrangements.

"These include a private, lockable changing room and an office which has been converted into a locker room for the storage of belongings."