Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the date on which gender identity clinics may return to full functionality.

The Minister for Women and Equalities has written to Sir Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, and Dr Michael Brady, National LGBT Health Advisor, to ask what can be done to ensure that gender identity clinics can still provide their necessary services for transgender service users.

We are aware that the impact of COVID-19 may reduce access to gender identity clinics, as gender identity clinics have complied with national advice to prevent face-to-face contact where possible.

The NHS has advised GPs to consider putting all suitable patients on electronic repeat dispensing, with appropriate arrangements in place for monitoring and blood tests that are clinically necessary. I am informed that services will be back to normal as soon as possible.