Health secretary backs pause for puberty blocker medicines
Scotland’s Health Secretary has welcomed the decision of two health boards – one of which covers the only gender clinic in the country for young people – to pause the prescription of puberty blockers to new patients.
NHS Lothian and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said the decision came with the support of Scotland’s chief medical officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith, following a review by Dr Hilary Cass in England and the same decision being taken south of the Border.
NHSGGC covers Scotland’s only gender clinic for under18s while NHS Lothian provides care to those aged 17 and over at its Chalmers gender identity clinic in Edinburgh.
Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said it was right for the decision to be made by clinicians rather than politicians, adding the government and boards are considering the recommendations of the Cass Review.
“The Scottish Government welcomes the joint statement from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian confirming their change in clinical policy on prescribing puberty hormone suppressants and cross-sex hormone medication to young people,” he said.
“We have been clear it is for clinicians and health boards to make decisions about clinical pathways, and that these decisions should be made carefully and based on the best evidence available.
“This is what both health boards have done and their position is supported by the chief medical officer.
“More broadly, the Cass Review’s final report and findings are being closely considered by both the Scottish Government and health boards, in the context of how such healthcare can be best delivered in Scotland.”
He went on to lament the “toxic” debate around gender issues – mentioned by Dr Cass in her review – saying those in receipt of care should be “at the centre of our thoughts when we discuss this issue”.
Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHSGGC, said: “The findings informing the Cass Review are important and we have reviewed the impact on our clinical pathways. The next step from here is to work with the Scottish Government and academic partners to generate evidence that enables us to deliver safe care for our patients.
Since the publication of the Cass Review, the Scottish Government has faced pressure to respond to its findings.