The Professional Association for Trans Health Ireland (PATHI) notes with concern the recent appointment of Dr Hilary Cass to conduct a review of gender identity healthcare services in Northern Ireland.
A previous local review commissioned by then Health Minister Robin Swann concluded earlier this year. That review made clear, evidence-based recommendations: that urgent investment in staffing and funding is required to improve gender services, and that services should be developed to support trans and gender diverse people across the lifespan. The priority now should be implementing these recommendations in line with international best practice, without delay.
The appointment of Dr Cass, to perform a 2 day rapid review, risks duplicating work that has already been done, delaying urgently needed action, and prolonging the distress faced by trans and gender diverse people who have already endured years of inadequate or absent provision. This is particularly concerning given that the Cass Review in England has been widely criticised for significant methodological limitations, its narrow interpretation of evidence, and its failure to meaningfully include any trans voices. The use of that review as a template for Northern Ireland is both inappropriate and harmful.
PATHI emphasises that the future of gender identity healthcare in Northern Ireland should be guided by:
Trans and gender diverse people in Northern Ireland deserve immediate action to reduce waiting times, and ensure access to evidence-based, person-centred care across their lives. What is needed now is the immediate implementation of an accessible, person-centered, user-led gender affirming care service, that is grounded in international best practices, without any further delays.
PATHI remains committed to supporting the development of safe, accessible, and affirming healthcare for trans and gender diverse people in Northern Ireland.