Holly Cairns
Question:173. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address delays in individuals accessing public transgender healthcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15507/23]
View answerWednesday, 29 March 2023
Questions (173, 174)
Holly Cairns
Question:174. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the national gender service engages with patient advocacy groups on matters relating to transgender healthcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15508/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.
It is acknowledged that the waiting times facing patients to access transgender healthcare services are too long at the moment, and the Department and HSE are committed to addressing this issue.
In 2020, the HSE established a steering committee to address specific issues in relation to the development of transgender healthcare services. The committee had a wide range of stakeholders from the agencies involved in delivering care, as well as service user representatives, including a representative from TENI. Further to the Cass Interim Report on the Tavistock Clinic, the HSE held an event recently with Dr Hillary Cass, which was attended by a wide range of stakeholders from the HSE, the Department of Health, Children’s Heath Ireland, the Ireland East Hospital Group and others involved in providing services.
The HSE is committed to developing a seamless and integrated service for those with gender identity issues on an ongoing basis, with the support of all relevant stakeholders, and are focused on providing a high quality and safe service to an often extremely vulnerable patient group. Throughout this process, the HSE will be consulting with a wide range of stakeholders in the development of the new model of care. Including those who provide and use these services, and advocacy groups. I am committed to the development by the HSE of a well-governed and patient-centred health care service for adults and children in the transgender community, which can be access in a timely manner.