Summary
A review found that adult gender clinics in England have long waiting times for appointments, averaging over five years. The report highlights issues with inconsistency in care and a lack of shared policies among clinics. Recommendations were made to improve the situation, including changes to referral processes and service enhancements.
Key Facts
- Adult gender clinics in England have average waiting times of five years and seven months for first appointments.
- Dr. David Levy conducted a review of nine gender clinics, noting inconsistencies and lack of shared policies.
- The report warned wait times might extend up to 15 years if no improvements are made.
- Referrals to gender clinics more than doubled from 2021/22 to 2024/25, reaching about 40,000 people by March 2025.
- Many patients are now younger, aged 18 to 25, with a higher occurrence of additional neurodevelopmental conditions.
- The closure of the Tavistock clinic led to new multidisciplinary children's gender clinics being developed.
- The review called for organized improvement in services and better communication of waiting times.
- The Health Secretary supported the report, planning to stop self-referrals and enhance existing services.
