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Written question asked by Rebecca Paul (Conservative) on Monday, 8 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Friday, 26 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Gender Dysphoria: Health Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen clinical leadership in the provision of adult gender identity services within the NHS.

Answer

In 2024, NHS England commissioned the National Operational and Delivery Review of Adult Gender Services (the Review), the report of which was published in December 2025. The report concluded that some adult gender services undertake little or no quality improvement work or knowledge-sharing between services, and that the senior clinical leadership approach at some clinics also limits opportunities to identify ways to improve patient outcomes.

The report makes a number of findings and recommendations for implementation by the National Health Service, overseen by NHS England and Department officials. This includes a recommendation that each Adult Gender Dysphoria Clinic requires a senior clinical lead who can demonstrate evidence of appropriate experience and expertise in specialised gender dysphoria practice; significant management experience; and significant evidence of continued professional development. The report also recommends senior clinical leads and managers in each Adult Gender Dysphoria Clinic creating a compassionate, safe, positive culture for the benefit of patients and staff in line with the NHS Leadership Competency Framework and profession-specific guidance.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7911
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Health services Gender dysphoria
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk