NHS gender identity services: strategic action framework 2022-2024

Service improvement and development

To improve current provision, reduce waiting times, support those waiting to access services and explore new models of delivering healthcare we will:

5. Direct the Reference Group to produce specifications to allocate funding which will develop and test new multidisciplinary models for delivery of gender identity healthcare i.e. 'pilot services'

6. Direct the Reference Group to produce specifications to allocate funding which will support existing GICs to use new approaches to address current waiting lists

7. Fund enhanced support for people currently on waiting lists, including community and voluntary sector led support

8. Bring gender identity services within national waiting times standards

9. Support the establishment of a nationally commissioned Young Person's Gender Identity Service

10. Re-establish work to scope gender reassignment surgery provision in Scotland, within the wider framework of the four nations surgical contract

Although the Reference Group will develop detailed specifications which will set parameters of funding applications, we expect 'pilot services' will encompass various ways and models of delivering care. Learning from current experiences in other parts of the UK, for example this could include provision of a gender identity service in a NHS Board(s) currently without a GIC, a primary care led gender identity service or embedded involvement of community or voluntary sector in new service provision.

As emphasised in Planning with People, it is vital individuals and communities are involved in decision making that affects them, and in the development of the health and social care services they use. We expect specifications for funding new services and wider service improvement will require active engagement with people using services in both their development and evaluation.

It is important that work to improve services and reduce current waiting lists is not confined to the establishment of new models of delivery. That is why we have committed to make available funding specifically to enable action to be taken within existing systems.