Can the nurse wash the patient and see his ‘awrah?

Is it permissible for female nurses in the hospital to wash male patients and see their ‘awrah, when the patient is unable to do that himself?.

Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah:

It is permissible for the female nurse to see his ‘awrah when necessary, if there is no man available to do this job, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can”

[al-Taghaabun 64:16]

If there is a man available who can do that job, then it is not permissible for the female nurses to do that.

And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions. End quote.

Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas