Only UK clinic to offer gender care to under-18s rated ‘outstanding’ by CQC
The Gender Plus Hormone clinic received an ‘outstanding’ rating from the CQC. (Getty)
The Gender Plus Hormone clinic received an 'outstanding' rating from the CQC. (Getty)
The UK’s only trans health clinic that serves 16-17 year olds has been rated as “outstanding” by the Care and Quality Commission (CQC).
The independent regulator of health and social care in the UK granted the Gender Plus Hormone Clinic (GPHC) its top rating in a ruling handed down on Thursday (31 July).
GPHC is the only CQC-registered clinic in the UK that provides support and care for 16-17-year-olds.
A challenge was brought against the private clinic in November 2024 by Susan Evans and an anonymous mother, who attempted to rescind a certification brought by the CQC in January.
However, the ruling made this week argued that there was no evidence of “improper decision-making” in applying the rank to GPHC.
Justice Eady DBE wrote in the judgment that nothing about GPHC’s conduct “could give rise to legitimate concerns relevant to patient safety or well-being,” adding that it was “not irrational” for the CQC to register the clinic.
Removal of GPHC’s registration would have left 16-17 year old trans patients in the UK to either face the years-long waiting times to access gender services through the NHS, or turn to self-medicating – the act of buying and taking hormones without medical oversight.
Dr Aidan Kelly, GPHC’s consultant clinical psychologist, commended the outcome and the CQC’s decision to uphold recognition of the “high standards of care” that the clinic provides.
“Transgender healthcare is subject to the highest levels of scrutiny and as a committed provider of safe, effective, essential healthcare to this patient population we have always held ourselves to the most rigorous standards,” he said. “We are absolutely delighted at this outcome and we will continue to work hard to deliver our essential services to our patient cohort.”
An array of studies have found that timely access to gender-affirming healthcare greatly decreases rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in trans people, as well as an improvement the quality of life and social functioning.”
GPHC’s nurse consultant, Paul Carruthers, said that the scrutiny the clinic has faced is a “testament to the expertise” within the organisation.
“I am incredibly proud of the entire team,” Carruthers continued. “Achieving an Outstanding rating from the CQC is a powerful reflection of the care, professionalism, and compassion that runs through everything we do.”
