The document below titled "NHS Wales Specialist Children and Young People Gender Identity Services" outlines the provision and development of gender identity services for young people in Wales. Commissioned by the legacy Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC), now NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee, through NHS England, the document addresses the transition and improvement of these services in response to the independent Cass Review. Key points include:
Commitment to Safe and Sustainable Services: WHSSC aims to establish robust, evidence-based services closer to the Welsh borders and eventually within Wales, aligning with NHS England’s transformation program.
Cass Review Recommendations: Emphasises moving away from a sole provider model to establish regional services led by experienced pediatric care providers, integrating strong links to mental health services and a multi-professional workforce.
Interim and Final Service Specifications: Discusses the current interim specifications, the cessation of new referrals to the Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust, and the planned establishment of regional services by April 2024.
Stakeholder Engagement: Encourages stakeholder participation through NHS England’s consultations, ensuring Welsh voices are included in the development of service specifications.
Referral and Waiting List Management: Details the process of referrals managed by the National Referral Support Service (NRSS) and addresses concerns about waiting times and support available during the waiting period.
The document below titled "NHS Wales Specialist Gender Incongruence Services for Children and Young People - Final Report of the Cass Review" provides a detailed briefing for stakeholders on the outcomes and implications of the Cass Review. Key points include:
Background: The Cass Review, led by Dr. Hilary Cass, was commissioned to recommend improvements to gender identity services for children and young people. It aims to ensure these services are safe, holistic, and effective.
New Service Model: The review suggests moving from a sole provider model to regional services led by experienced pediatric care providers. These services will focus on comprehensive child health and development, integrating mental health support and a multi-professional workforce.
Implementation: New services opened in London and the North West in April 2024, prioritising existing cases from the Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust. Additional regional services are planned, including collaborations with Cardiff University Health Board.
Final Report Findings: The final report, published on April 10, 2024, outlines the recommended clinical approaches and necessary interventions. It also emphasises the need for a robust quality improvement and research infrastructure.
NHS Wales Response: The Joint Commissioning Committee is committed to implementing the report's recommendations to secure sustainable and evidence-based services for Welsh children and young people. This includes participating in NHS England’s transformation program and reviewing the adult gender identity service specifications in 2024.
Future Plans: NHS England plans to expand regional services, develop a comprehensive professional training curriculum, and review the use of gender-affirming hormones. These efforts aim to enhance service capacity and align with evidence-based care models.
A letter from NHS England regarding the implications of new Government policy has been issued which also applies to Wales. Read the full letter
The PDF documents within this section may not be created in an accessible form.
If you require an accessible PDF version of a document within this section, can you please email nwjcccorporate@wales.nhs.uk to make a request and we will try our best to provide one wherever possible.