Achi news desk-
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The review makes 32 recommendations, including that sex services operate “to the same standards” as other children’s health services and that patients receive “holistic” care, including screening for neurodevelopmental conditions and a mental health assessment.
Puberty blockers, which prevent the physical changes in a child’s body that come with puberty, such as the development of breasts or facial hair, stopped being routinely prescribed in England last year after the interim findings of Dr Cass’s report were published.
Although the review only relates to services in NHS England, there have been calls from politicians in Scotland for health boards north of the border to follow suit.
Asked about the review during health questions at Holyrood, Ms Minto told MSPs: “The Scottish Government, our officers and our senior clinicians are all looking at the contents of the report and we will be doing an initial review on that as soon as possible.” as possible.”
Labor’s Carol Mochan said the Scottish Government “needs to step up and make a decision about whether or not to implement evidence-based recommendations to protect Scotland’s children.”
“And if not, why not?” she added.
Ms Minto replied: “I don’t think it’s appropriate to react quickly. I think we have to do that in due time so that we understand exactly what the implications of the Cass review are for gender identity services in Scotland.
“I want to make sure that we put the children, their families and the clinicians at the heart of this work.”
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The minister’s position is slightly contrary to the comments made by Humza Yousaf.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland on Tuesday, the First Minister said they “will not take too long to consider” the review.
He said: “Every recommendation Dr Cass makes will be considered as part of that consideration of the whole report including the recommendations he makes in relation to people who prevent puberty, and that is one element of the recommendations that Dr Cass makes.
“There are a number of recommendations – all of which will be considered.”
