Written question asked by Baroness Maclean of Redditch (Conservative) on Friday, 17 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 31 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Gender Dysphoria: Health Services

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what safeguarding requirements apply to adult gender dysphoria clinics when patients present with a history of childhood trauma, abuse or serious mental illness.

Answer: Safeguarding is firmly embedded within the core duties and statutory responsibilities of all organisations that provide National Health Services. The organisations that manage adult gender dysphoria clinics will have reference to NHS England's Safeguarding Accountability and Assurance Framework, 5th edition, published 2026, that sets out the safeguarding roles and responsibilities for NHS-commissioned providers and sets out the legal framework for safeguarding adults.

Secondary information