Patients face 42,000-long waitlist for NHS gender care

Health & FitnessLifestyle
15 Sep 2025 • 10:12 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • NHS gender care waiting lists have reached more than 42,000 people, with some patients enduring waits of up to eight years for initial appointments.
  • Health Secretary Wes Streeting described these waits as "unacceptable", noting the severe impact on trans people's mental health.
  • A new £125,000 pilot scheme in the southwest of England will offer information and mental health support to patients on the waiting list, with plans for national rollout if successful.
  • Patients awaiting gender services will also gain access to online cognitive behavioural therapy through the NHS’s Silvercloud service.
  • A national review of adult gender dysphoria clinics is currently underway to address operational concerns and improve services, following previous findings regarding child gender care.

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