The Scottish government has been advised to put a hold on administering puberty blockers until additional research is conducted. This recommendation comes from a review team assessing how the recent Cass review on gender services for minors could be implemented in Scotland.
Key recommendations from the review include appointing a lead senior clinician for each young person's care and initiating the development of a regional service dedicated to children's needs. Health Secretary Neil Gray stated that these recommendations would be evaluated to aid in the "reforming and improving" of gender healthcare throughout Scotland.
The Cass review, published in April by paediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass, emphasized that gender services for young people should meet the same standards as other NHS services. It criticized the medical justification for treatments like puberty blockers as "remarkably weak," leading to some controversy and claims of misinformation from Dr. Cass's critics.
Previously, the Scottish Greens, who were part of the government at the time, had expressed dissatisfaction with the Cass review. Public Health Minister Jenni Minto had assured MSPs on 23 April that while the review focused on NHS England, its findings would be closely examined for Scotland as well.
In response to the review, the Sandyford Clinic in Glasgow decided to halt hormone treatments for new patients aged 16 and 17 until they turn 18. This decision, made by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, faced criticism from Scottish Trans, a charity advocating for transgender rights. The latest recommendations suggest formalizing this approach into government policy.
The report recommended a pause on the use of puberty-suppressing hormones until further clinical trials are conducted. It also highlighted the need for NHS Scotland to participate in upcoming UK studies.
Scottish Conservatives criticized the timing of the government's response, accusing it of being a "cowardly attempt to sneak this out when everyone's gaze is elsewhere." Deputy leader Meghan Gallacher expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in MSPs' ability to question the government on the issue.
The review, commissioned by Scotland's Chief Medical Officer, emphasized that each care plan should include a comprehensive assessment of the child's psychological and physical needs. Professor Graham Ellis, Scotland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, stated that the team reviewed the Cass report with a clinical perspective, ensuring that care remains holistic, person-centered, and as close to home as possible.
Neil Gray promised an update on the implementation of these findings after the Scottish Parliament's summer recess.
Scotland has witnessed a rise in young people exploring their gender identity or experiencing gender dysphoria. The Sandyford Clinic, the only specialist service for under-18s in Scotland, had 1,100 patients on its waiting list at the end of 2023. As of now, 43 patients who were already receiving puberty blockers or other "gender-affirming hormones" will continue their treatment until further notice.