New NHS trans youth clinics ‘not ready’ ahead of opening, sources claim
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A recent report by i News has shed light on the concerning state of the new NHS gender identity clinics for trans youth, set to open in April as replacements for the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock Centre. According to sources, these new clinics are reportedly understaffed and “nowhere near ready” to provide the necessary care and support for trans and gender-questioning young people.
The decision to close GIDS, the only gender identity clinic for young people in NHS England, came after an interim report by Dr Hilary Cass recommended a “fundamentally different” model of care for trans youth. As a result, two new regional hubs in London and the north of England are set to open, with the northern hub being a partnership between Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, and the London hub being run by the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust.
However, whistleblowers have raised serious concerns about the readiness of these new clinics. One anonymous source described the restructuring of care as “shoddy, disorganised, messy,” pointing out that the clinics are not fully staffed or trained. They likened the transition from a single-service model to a no-service model as “reinventing the wheel with a square.”
These concerns first surfaced in May 2023 when the planned closure of Tavistock’s GIDS was delayed. Since then, wait times for under-18s seeking gender-affirming care have reportedly increased, with some estimates suggesting wait times of over 39 months. Staffing levels have also been a major issue, with sources revealing that the new hubs have significantly fewer clinical staff compared to GIDS, which had at least 70 clinicians at its peak.
Leaked emails seen by BBC News last month further highlighted staff concerns about patient care ahead of Tavistock GIDS’ closure, with staff expressing worries about the lack of details about the service’s replacement. In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that the London hub will be opening on April 1st, while Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust assured that the North West Hub will open in April as planned.
NHS England defended the decision to close Tavistock GIDS and set up new clinics, stating that it was part of an effort to establish a fundamentally different and improved approach to gender services for children and young people. They acknowledged that the transition is a complex process but emphasized their focus on ensuring continuity of care and providing holistic support for patients and their families.
Despite these assurances from NHS England, the concerns raised by whistleblowers highlight the urgent need for proper staffing and resources at the new NHS gender identity clinics for trans youth. As these clinics prepare to open their doors in April, it is essential that they address these issues to ensure that young trans and gender-questioning individuals receive the care and support they urgently need.
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