07 August 2024
The President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr Lade Smith CBE has responded to NHS England's new implementation plan, which includes an announcement that it will open six new specialist regional centres for children and young people who are gender questioning by 2026.
NHS England's plan sets out how it will implement the recommendations of the Cass Review and expand gender identity services for young people.
Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said:
“There are more than five thousand gender questioning children and young people waiting to access services, so we are pleased to see that NHS England has made the needs of these highly marginalised and discriminated against people a top priority, and acted quickly in publishing an implementation plan which builds on the comprehensive and evidence-based recommendations of the Cass Review.
“People with lived experience and their families must continue to be involved in the development of best practice in this area. It is also imperative that healthcare professionals are supported with guidance and training so that they feel confident in providing care for this vulnerable group of people.
“This will ensure thousands of young people have access to compassionate, effective and timely holistic care tailored to their individual needs, which takes into account their wishes and preferences.
“We look forward to contributing to future work in this area.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Twitter: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896