National Gender Identity Healthcare Reference Group minutes: April 2022

Attendees and apologies

Attendees 

• Professor Nicola Steedman (Co-Chair), Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Scottish Government
• Dr Ewan Bll (Co-Chair), Associate Medical Director, NHS Dumfies and Galloway 
• Rachel Hewit, Programme Manager, Health Improvement Scotland
• Ryan McLeod, Development Worker, LGBT Health and Wellbeing
• David Parker, Lead Clinician, National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland
• Dr Amber Keenan, Clinical Lead, NHS Grampian
• Kathryn KInnear, Service Manager, NHS Grampian
• Rhoda McLeod, Head of Sexual Health, Prison and Police Services, NHS Greater Glagow and Clyde
• Dr Louise Melvin, Interim Clinical Lead, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
• Dr Sarah Weldon, Consultant Clinical Psychologist , NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
• Dr Fiona Gibson, Clinician, NHS Highland
• Kimberley MacInnes , Service Manager/Lead Nurse, NHS Highland
• Jane Harris, Head of Programme, Postgraduate and Post-registration Education and Continuing Professional Development, NHS Education for Scotland

• Catriona Johnson, Associate Director – Specialist Services, NHS National Services Scotland

• Adam Black, Nurse Consultant/ Clinical Nurse Manager, NHS Lothian

• Peter Martin, Service Manager, Public Health Scotland

• Dr Miles Mack, Chair of Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland

• Scottish Government Policy Team

• Dr Michelle Watts, Senior Medical Adviser - Primary Care, Scottish Government

• Vic Valentine, Manager, Scottish Trans Alliance

• Evelyn Sheerin, Parent representative, TransparentsTees

• Dr Ruth Pearce, Lecturer, University of Glasgow

Apologies 

• Dr Richard Anderson, Deputy Director Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh
• Dr Christine Mimnagh, CMAGIC Clinical Lead, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Fiona Wardell, Head of Standards and Indicators Team, Healthcare Improvement Scotland
• Jenny McNicol, Acute Director of Nursing & Midwifery, NHS Grampian
• Dr Anna Lamont, Medical Director, Procurement, Commissioning and Facilities, NHS National Services Scotland
• Colin Briggs, Director of Strategic Planning , NHS Lothian
• Dr Ben Vincent, Research Coordinator, Trans Learning Partnership
• Paul Daly, Policy and Research Manager, LGBT Youth Scotland 

Items and actions

Welcome and introductions

Nicola Steedman (NS) welcomed attendees to the second meeting of the National Gender Identity Healthcare Reference Group (the group). Apologies were noted, minutes of the previous meeting were approved subject to a minor correction and completion of previous actions arising from the last meeting were noted. 

Members agreed group membership and minutes to be published on the Scottish Government website.

Presentation and update on gender reassignment protocol for Scotland review

Dr Miles Mack (MM) and David Parker (DP) provided a presentation on the work to date to complete a review and update of the 2012 Gender Reassignment Protocol for Scotland (GRP), as requested by the Chief Medical Officer in July 2021. All sub-groups and expected deliverables were outlined.

A substantive discussion took place about the various work streams, and broader consideration as to the improvement of gender identity healthcare provision across NHS Scotland as a result of this work.

Updates will continue to be provided to the group as the work programme progresses. Completion is expected during summer 2022. Collaboration across this group and the GRP review throughout was emphasised as important to ensuring the updated GRP is a success.

Draft terms of reference and membership

NS invited comment on a revised draft Terms of Reference. Amendment had been made to take into account previous group discussion. Comment was also invited on a paper outlining group reporting arrangements and relationship with the work of the GRP review.

It was confirmed a nominated deputy could attend in place of members, however that deputy should have the same relevant experience. Members were also reminded not to bring additional attendees without prior discussion with secretariat.

NS also advised that representation from Health and Social Care Partnerships is being explored. It was advised that the Head of Planning within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was prepared to join the group. An invitation will extended.

It was agreed amendment would be made to the relevant paper clarify reporting arrangements. There were no further comments on the Terms of Reference, agreement to publish was provided.

Policy update

An update from Scottish Government was provided, outlining developments relevant to commitments contained within the December 2021 strategic Framework. Amendments to research priorities were highlighted, noting it is expected this will be issued by Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office in advance of the group’s next meeting.

It was advised that bids were open for organisations to host a lived experience coordinator role for this group. Returns will be considered by Scottish Government and awarded in due course.

Principles for funding and application process

NS invited any final question or comment on the draft principles for funding allocation to be issued to Health Boards in advance of the group’s next meeting. Principles will be amended in line with comments to date. Clarification of the process for considering bids and improvement work, and the group’s role here, were outlined. A sub-group will be established to advise on bids received.

It was highlighted that for applications to reduce waiting times and increase support for those waiting it would be expected that consultation with relevant third sector and community organisations would form part of Board proposals.

A discussion concerning the importance of lived experience took place, as well as the role the Group’s future lived experience co-ordinator and the importance of them being able to participate fully in the work of the group. It was agreed this would be the case.

Longer term funding support and national strategy for services beyond 2024 was raised. NS advised Scottish Government is unable to commit to work beyond 2024 at this time. However, the importance of this point was noted and reassurance provided to the group this is within the scope of current thinking.

AOB

Following discussion and recognising importance of the Cass Review, a link to the review’s webpage and its interim report was agreed to be circulated.

Following discussion, the current Memorandum of Understanding on conversion therapy would also be circulated to the group for awareness

Meeting closed.