Review into safety of adult gender services to begin within weeks

A review into whether adult gender services are safe for patients is to begin within weeks and be led by an NHS medical director.

The review was first announced in April following the Cass report into children’s services, which recommended “follow-through services” for 17 to 25-year-olds, rather than young people being transferred straight into adult clinics.

Dr Hilary Cass, speaking when her report was published, said she had been worried “particularly about the vulnerable group around 17 who are falling off a cliff edge really between services”.

It had been described as a Cass-style review led by an independent expert, but it is now understood the aim is for the so-called “service review” to be completed within months, rather than years.

Dr Hilary Cass’ final report was published four years after her review was first launched.

NHS England (NHSE) said the adult service review will look at the effectiveness, safety and stability of each current service, and whether the existing service model is safe for patients, acknowledging lengthy waits experienced for adult gender clinic appointments.

It will be led by Dr David Levy, who is medical director for Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care board (ICB).

Dr Levy, a cancer specialist, will be an independent chair, supported by a panel of expert clinicians, patients and representatives from Royal Colleges and professional bodies, NHSE added.

While Dr Levy is not a gender care specialist, he is understood to have significant experience in leading complex health service reviews.

The review findings will inform an updated adult gender service specification which will then be subject to public consultation, NHSE said as it set out its wider plans for changed services for children’s gender care.

In further detail, published on Wednesday, NHSE said it is looking at establishing a pilot follow-through service for 17-25-year-olds, but that is not expected to be in place before April.

NHS medical director for specialised services, Professor James Palmer, said: “It’s clear that our services for adults need focus too.

“The waiting times for care are too long and experiences of care are too variable.

“The review needs to address poor experience but also learn from good experiences of care.

“It’s vital we hear from patients and staff, some of whom have raised concerns to Dr Cass, and this review will be a further opportunity for them to be heard.”