Gender Dysphoria: Clinics
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will set out the duty of care that applies to people awaiting assessment at Gender Identity Clinics.
Answered by Karin Smyth
In 2023, the High Court, via AA v NHS Commissioning Board, considered NHS England's approach for responding to the imbalance between demand and capacity for specialised gender services, including with reference to the Equality Act 2010. The High Court found that NHS England was making strenuous efforts to reduce waiting times and that there was no direct or indirect discrimination caused to individuals with a protected characteristic.
As of 31 March 2026, 25,456 individuals were waiting more than 24 months.
The duty of care owed by a healthcare professional to an individual patient under their care will be described in various professional guidance documents, such as the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →