Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Improvements to gender identity services for children and young people

04 September 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North

NHSWomen & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The NHS has ceased the routine use of puberty blockers for children and young people.
  • An emergency order restricts private sector access to puberty-suppressing hormones.
  • A clinical trial with NIHR is launched to assess the effects of puberty-suppressing hormones.

Issue summary

The statement addresses improvements to gender identity services for children and young people in the UK, focusing on the implementation of Dr Hilary Cass's recommendations.

Action requested

The NHS has ceased routine use of puberty blockers, extended restrictions to private sectors through an emergency order, launched a clinical trial with NIHR to assess puberty suppressing hormones' effects, and opened new specialist children’s gender services. A review of adult service specifications is also underway.

Key facts

  • The Cass Review highlighted insufficient evidence on long-term effects of puberty blockers.
  • NHS England ceased routine use of puberty blockers in Great Britain from June 3, 2024.
  • Emergency order extended to private sectors and Northern Ireland until November 26, 2024.
  • Clinical trial with NIHR aims to begin recruiting participants early next year.
  • Two new children’s gender services opened in the North West and London; a third will open in the South West by autumn.
  • NHS England is conducting a review of adult Gender Dysphoria Clinics led by Dr David Levy.
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