A final review of gender services provided by the NHS has uncovered significant shortcomings, leaving thousands of vulnerable children questioning their
gender identity without adequate support.
The report, led by Dr. Hilary Cass, a prominent consultant paediatrician, highlights the use of unproven treatments and the detrimental impact of the polarized
trans debate on gender care provision.
The investigation, commissioned by NHS England in 2020, focused on the Tavistock and Portman NHS mental health trust's gender identity development services (Gids),
which treated around 9,000 children and young people between 2009 and 2020.
Shockingly, the review found that despite limited evidence of effectiveness and potential health risks, puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones were routinely
administered.
Dr. Cass emphasized that the "rationale for early puberty suppression remains unclear, with weak evidence regarding the impact on gender dysphoria, mental or
psychosocial health. The effect on cognitive and psychosexual development remains unknown."
London's Great Ormond Street Hospital and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool are poised to introduce groundbreaking gender-related services in
England, following the closure of the Gender Identity Development Service (Gids) operated by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
Amid concerns expressed by hospital executives regarding the closure of Gids, with leaked emails revealing apprehensions about appointment cancellations and
inadequate communication with the new services, the National Health Services England (NHSE) has confirmed "its commitment to ensuring continuity of care for
patients already accessing endocrine care in GIDS."
NHSE's decision to transition to regional services stems from a 2022 interim review, led by Dr. Hilary Cass, which highlighted the need for improved support
structures for gender-distressed youth.
It emphasized a significant increase in referrals to Gids, surpassing 5,000 in 2021/22, compared to less than 250 a decade ago.