Achi news desk-
Dr Hilary Cass said randomized clinical trials were needed, and the “toxicity” of the gender debate had prevented clinicians from raising concerns.
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The two health boards have contacted all affected patients this week “to advise that the prescribing of adolescent hormone blockers and gender confirming hormones to young people has been delayed following NHS England research findings and the publication of a Review Cass”.
The decision does not affect existing patients, who will continue to be “monitored”.
It is understood that this includes a very small number of patients.
Puberty arresters prevent physical changes such as breast development or facial hair.
They have long been available on the NHS in cases where children go into puberty prematurely – at eight or nine – but their use to delay puberty which starts normally has been controversial.
Testosterone or estrogen is also available for 16 and 17 year old patients who wish to transfer.
The change in the NHS stance does not affect clinics in the private sector, which can continue to prescribe the drugs “off label” for self-funding patients.
The health boards had already delayed the start of new patients on these treatments in mid-March this year pending the outcome of the Cass Review and in response to the position taken by NHS England, where the process of prescribing adolescent inhibitors to those under 18 delaying the start. normal puberty was banned in March except in the context of research trials.
The pause will continue while NHSGGC “works with the Scottish Government to carry out research with NHS England that will produce evidence of the safety and long-term impact of therapies”.
The statement added: “This pause does not affect existing patients who are currently taking hormone blockers or gender-affirming hormones.
“These patients will continue on treatment with close monitoring and support, as they wish and in accordance with individual clinical assessments within each service.”
Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHSGGC, said: “The findings informing the Cass Review are important, and we have reviewed the impact on our clinical pathways.
“The next step from here is to work with the Scottish Government and academic partners to produce evidence that enables us to provide safe care for our patients.
“We echo the view of Dr Hilary Cass that toxicity around public discussion is affecting the lives of young people who seek the care of our service and does not serve the teams who work hard to care for and support them .
“We understand the distress that gender discrepancy can cause and, although all referrals to endocrinology have been delayed, we will continue to provide the psychological support they need to anyone who is referred to the Young People’s Sex Service as we review the pathways in accordance with the findings.”
Tracey Gillies, executive medical director at NHS Lothian, said: “The Cass Review is a significant piece of work on how the NHS can better support children and young people presenting with gender dysphoria.
“Patient safety must always be our priority and it is right that we are delaying this treatment to allow more research to be carried out.”
The deputy leader of the Conservatives in Scotland, Meghan Gallacher, said the decision was “long overdue”.
He added: “The SNP Government have been dragged kicking and screaming towards taking the necessary steps to protect vulnerable young people after days of shameful silence and fumbling in response to the Cass Review – presumably to calm the sex drive in the Scottish Greens.”
Vic Valentine, from Scottish Trans and the Equality Network (STEN), said the pause would “harm trans children and young people”.
A statement from STEN said: “This decision has been made within the context where the reality of the experiences and lives of trans people is questioned almost daily in some of the media and some political circles.
“This makes us worry that the decision was influenced by that context rather than just by considering the best interests of trans children and young people.”
