Trans people in Wales have been left in limbo following a decision by NHS Wales to pause access to gender affirming surgeries without warning.
The Welsh Gender Service has been instructed to stop referring people for surgery, and people who already had surgery dates booked have had their surgeries cancelled without any warning. This includes people who were already in hospital ready for their operations.
This sudden pause has had a devastating impact on people’s mental health, stability, work, family life and, for some, their physical health and financial wellbeing. Many have spent years waiting for care, only to have it withdrawn at the last moment.
The decision was made by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC), who claim the decision was made after receiving complaints and “concerns.” Yet they also admit they are not aware of any patients who have been harmed as a result of being referred for gender‑affirming surgery. The only harm anyone has evidenced is the harm caused by the pause itself.
What the NWJCC claims are “concerns”
The NWJCC has only identified two issues:
- The Welsh Gender Service makes more surgical referrals than the English gender services.
- Unspecified concerns have been raised “regarding aspects of referral and assessment processes”, including where patients have been referred but have not gone on to have surgery – though the JCC has admitted none of these involve “immediate patient safety concerns”.
This situation is unprecedented — and unjust
It is unheard of for essential healthcare to be withdrawn when there is no evidence of serious harm, malpractice or unsafe practice. Trans people in Wales are effectively being punished for having access to a more efficient gender service than those in England.
This is not fair. We know this. You know this. And the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee should know this.
That is why we are asking you to join us in writing to Juliet Brown, Chief Commissioner at NHS Wales, to demand urgent action.
Our asks are simple and reasonable
The NWJCC must:
- Reinstate access to surgery immediately
- Issue a formal apology and restore accountability
How you can help
Please join us in writing to Juliet Brown. If you or a loved one has personally been impacted by this situation, please customise the letter template to include your own experiences.
Your voice matters, and personal testimony is important and powerful.
Together, we can ensure that trans people in Wales regain access to the healthcare they have already waited far too long for.
Cymraeg: Ailsefydlu mynediad at Lawdriniaethau Cadarnhau Rhywedd yng Nghymru