Wales NHS gender surgeries paused for review into referral numbers

The Welsh Gender Service, based at St David’s Hospital in Cardiff, has temporarily suspended all new and scheduled referrals for gender-affirming surgeries as health officials conduct a review into rising referral rates. The decision follows concerns raised by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB), which operates the service, about a significant increase in referrals compared to English gender services.

In a statement, CAVUHB said data from the 2025-26 period showed “significantly higher rates of referral for gender-affirming surgery” within the Welsh Gender Service than in comparable NHS services in England. The health board also flagged “matters” regarding referral and assessment processes, prompting the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) to request an independent clinical review. As a result, new gender-affirming surgery referrals and existing scheduled surgeries have been paused while the review is carried out.

The Welsh Gender Service, an NHS gender identity clinic established in 2019, provides specialist care for adults in Wales but refers patients to England for surgical procedures. CAVUHB clarified that while surgery referrals are paused, other aspects of the service—including hormone therapy, psychological support, and speech and language therapy—will continue without interruption. Patients with upcoming appointments are advised to attend as scheduled for discussions about next steps and ongoing care.

The NWJCC, which commissions national specialist services in Wales, stated that its processes are designed to ensure proper scrutiny and oversight when further investigation is required. The health board acknowledged that the pause may cause concern among patients, families, staff, and the wider community but emphasized that the decision is intended to ensure patient safety and service quality.

Health officials have not provided a timeline for the completion of the independent review but confirmed that all affected individuals will be kept informed as the process unfolds.

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