NHS announces public consultation into youth gender services – here’s how you can get involved

The NHS has launched a consultation into proposed changes to services for transgender youngsters in England.

As part of the consultation period, NHS England outlined several proposed changes to the way children and young people’s gender services will provide healthcare to those under the age of 18, with the aim of providing a more “cautious and holistic” approach to diagnosing gender dysphoria, in line with recommendations made within the Cass Report.

The report, published in April 2024, made upwards of 32 recommendations – some of which have been described by experts as deeply flawed – to restructure the way in which trans youngsters receive care.

NHS England’s draft service specifications, based on Dr Hilary Cass’ recommendations, were tested earlier this year. Officials concluded that a “divergence of views” remained over issues that the changes could impose.

The public consultation will give members of the public a chance to air their views on the proposed changes. The deadline for submissions is 2 November.

What are the proposed changes to the services?

NHS England highlighted nine key changes it plans to make. The first aims to create a “more-holistic assessment framework” based on the conclusions of the Cass Report.

The second would adapt the described role of the National Provider Network, to “ensure… a consistent approach to various elements of service delivery”.

Arrangements for data collection, audit and evaluation are also set to be updated, including the creation of a “co-ordinated single data registry to support service evaluation and quality improvement”.

NHS England will also revise the role of its gender service to help ensure all specialist services are integrated with other local services, including those for mental-health and paediatric care.

Another change planned is the introduction of endocrinology as a core function within each service.

All new referrals to NHS gender services are set to go through mental-health services to ensure what officials described as a “thorough assessment” of each patient.

Opposition to “unregulated sources or providers” of puberty blockers will be reaffirmed, and NHS gender services will “not assume responsibility for the prescribing or monitoring of any medication initiated outside the service”.

New metrics to help monitor the quality of each service will be instigated and a separate pathway for pre-pubescent children will be introduced.

How can you get involved in the consultation?

As part of the changes, NHS England has asked members of the public to review its consultation document and to share feedback.

The document says: “Your input is critical to the development of effective and meaningful national standards.”

Those who wish to provide their views must fill out this form by 2 November and answer all its questions, which have been split into eight categories. Individuals can respond on behalf of a group or organisation and are advised to consult others to help formulate a response.

NHS England recommends that those wishing to share their views read its equality and health inequalities assessment (EHIA).

“You must declare any conflict of interests relating to this document or service area,” NHS England warns. “Please do not provide any personal or clinical information about yourself, as this will be deleted and cannot be included in the consultation report.”

Anyone experiencing difficulties with the document is urged to email the NHS at [email protected].

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