Activists fight for Mrs N’s right to be female

A TRANSGENDER patient’s battle to be recognised as female at two state hospitals in Cape Town has sparked outrage among activists.

It has raised issues about the continued lack of sensitivity and awareness of health-care providers to protect the dignity and rights of transgender patients.

The patient, who has been identified only as Mrs N, is currently in an all-male ward at the DP Marais Hospital in Retreat, despite identifying as a woman for the past 25 years.

Incensed activists have taken up her cause with Lawyers for Human Rights and the Department of Health.

The debacle started on Wednesday at Groote Schuur Hospital, according to activists at the Triangle Project.

Sharon Cox, the Triangle Project’s health and support services manager, said the project’s homebased care programme staff took her to Groote Schuur’s emergency unit.