Recent leaked emails obtained by BBC News reveal senior executives’ apprehensions regarding the closure of the NHS gender identity clinic for young people. The closure has raised significant worries among hospital executives, including concerns about canceled appointments, inadequate patient information, and poor communication regarding the transition to new services.
Dr. Polly Carmichael, the director of the service, expressed concerns in one email, highlighting the potential risks to patients due to appointment cancellations. The closure of the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), operated by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, is scheduled for later this week, following an announcement in July 2022. This decision was prompted by an independent review recommending a “fundamentally different” care model for young people experiencing gender-related distress.
Despite the imminent closure, existing staff members have struggled to provide basic information to patients about the future of their care. There is a lack of clarity regarding the operation of the new services and the timeline for full functionality of the new clinics. Efforts to establish communication channels between existing and new teams have been met with challenges, exacerbating concerns among staff and patients.
While NHS England has organized a meeting between old and new teams, it took place only weeks before the closure of GIDS. Internal emails, spanning from February of the previous year to the present month, highlight ongoing issues, including unexpected appointment cancellations and insufficient information provided to patients.
Concerns raised by clinicians about patient safety and well-being have been acknowledged by Dr. Michael Holland, the chief executive of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. He emphasized the importance of clarity and expressed worries about the current situation, which he described as “far from an ideal situation.”
Families affected by the closure expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding their children’s future care. Some families have resorted to seeking information from news reports rather than receiving adequate communication from the NHS. Patients and their families have received letters informing them of the transfer of care oversight from GIDS to the new service. However, many are still lacking basic information, such as contact details for the doctors responsible for their children’s care.
One of the most contentious aspects of care provided by GIDS was the use of puberty blockers. While NHS England announced a change in policy regarding the routine prescription of these drugs, concerns remain about the availability of psychological support for children currently on these medications.
Job advertisements for senior roles in Nottinghamshire, responsible for supporting children approved for puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones, closed just days before the closure of GIDS. Despite assurances from the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust regarding ongoing recruitment, concerns persist about the readiness of the new service to provide comprehensive care.
The closure of GIDS follows recommendations from an independent review aiming for a more holistic approach to gender services. NHS England has assured continuity of care for patients transitioning to the new services, with additional resources allocated to ensure optimal support. However, ongoing concerns highlight the challenges associated with the transition process and the importance of addressing communication gaps to ensure the well-being of affected individuals.
