New referral arrangements have been introduced within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Gender Identity Services.
To ensure patients with gender incongruence are supported and placed appropriately on its waiting lists, from today the service will only accept referrals to its gender services from a clinician.
Patients will no longer self-refer to the service.
These changes will affect referrals to the Young People’s Gender Service, which is currently provided nationally, and the Adult Gender Service for the West of Scotland.
The new arrangements are consistent with other clinical specialties.
Dr Emilia Crighton, NHSGGC Director of Public Health, said: “Ensuring that our patients have the appropriate support and care they need is a priority for us and updating this referral process enables us to do that.
“Gender patients will now be referred by their GP, CAMHS, or Adult Mental Health service clinician. In doing so they are also advised of self-care and signposted to the appropriate support while they wait for their first gender service appointment.
“When it is time for their first appointment with the gender service, we have an accurate background for them and can immediately plan the most appropriate path of care.”
This update will not impact anyone currently on the wait list for the Young People’s Gender Service nationally and the Adult Gender Service for the West of Scotland.