Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
675. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health who is responsible for drafting/approving the referral/care pathway in the National Gender Service; if the referral/care pathway is based on international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the HSE has identified the need to develop an updated and integrated Model of Care for transgender services, informed by the best evidence-based clinical care for individuals who express gender incongruence or dysphoria.
As an initial step, the HSE advertised for the post of Clinical Lead for Transgender Services, who will lead the team to develop the Model of Care and Implementation Plan for Transgender Care, and this position has now been accepted by the successful candidate.
Developing a Model of Care for gender healthcare services is expected to be a complex process and the HSE and the Department will work closely together to support the process, ensure transparency and keep the patient at the centre of the process. There is a clear and well-established approach to the development of a model of care which will incorporate best available clinical evidence and input from healthcare professionals, patient advocates and those with lived experience.
I welcome the development of a model of care which will deliver a high quality seamless and integrated service for people with gender identity issues.
