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THREAD: We hear the Tavistock are *already* cancelling appointments for young people who have waited 2+ years to be seen for life-saving hormone blockers. This reckless Amendment by @NHSEngland means they are now effectively being refused treatment. 1/
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Amendment-to-Gender-Identity-Development-Service-Specification-for-Children-and-Adolescents.pdf
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Amendment-to-Gender-Identity-Development-Service-Specification-for-Children-and-Adolescents.pdf
The chilling @NHSEngland amendment, effective immediately, reads:
a) Patients under 16 must not be referred by GIDS to paediatric endocrinology clinics for puberty blockers unless a ‘best interests’ order has been made by the Court for the individual in question. 2/
a) Patients under 16 must not be referred by GIDS to paediatric endocrinology clinics for puberty blockers unless a ‘best interests’ order has been made by the Court for the individual in question. 2/
Plus, all current patients under 16 must be reviewed and either refused further treatment OR have their case referred to court for their 'best interests'. Their best interests are not served by ripping away treatment from those who so desperately need it. 3/
Meanwhile, for 16+17yos, on hormone blockers and/or cross-sex hormones, they may also face removal of their treatment without a 'best interests' court order. 4/
This amendment by @NHSEngland goes well beyond the High Court's judgment has been announced without any apparent plan to alleviate huge stress to an already unfit service and was posted online without any suggestion of emotional support for those horrified by the changes made. 5/
A shameful day which will be remembered for many years to come.
Shame on the High Court judges.
Shame for those campaigning to ruin a tiny number of already-vulnerable young people's lives.
Shame for bosses at @NHSEngland. 6/
Shame on the High Court judges.
Shame for those campaigning to ruin a tiny number of already-vulnerable young people's lives.
Shame for bosses at @NHSEngland. 6/
We will continue to do our very best to offer support to those who have been dealt with so recklessly and cruelly today by the High Court and @NHSEngland. In the meantime, reach out for help. 7/7 https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/contact-us/
