Sussex Trans Health Services - Gender Dysphoria Services for Adults (Non Surgical)

NHS England (NHSE) sought providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver non-surgical interventions for individuals on the NHS pathway of care for the treatment of gender dysphoria and who are registered with a general practitioner within the following clinical commissioner groups (CCGs):

• Brighton and Hove
• East Sussex
• West Sussex

NHSE wish to implement a pilot programme that will evaluate how the care delivered by a Gender Dysphoria Clinic can be delivered by a primary care team in a local setting with the support of a linked Gender Dysphoria Clinic, adapted to meet the specific needs of the population of Sussex (the Trans Health Service).

The Trans Health Service will establish a small multi-disciplinary team of professionals led by a clinician who will be supported in developing extended competencies, with the lead clinician holding the key leadership role. The team may comprise of professionals who already have some experience and expertise in the care of individuals with gender dysphoria; but in any event the team will receive training through the Royal College of Physicians / University of London accredited credential for Gender Identity Healthcare Practice (funded by NHS England), and through experiential training with the linked Gender Dysphoria Clinic.

The Trans Health Service will focus on individuals registered with a GP in Sussex and already on a waiting list with an adult Gender Dysphoria Clinic (17 and over) that is commissioned by NHS England. Should the relevant waiting list(s) be cleared then extending to other CCGs or new referrals may be considered (at commissioner discretion).

The contract term will be 2 years with an option to extend for a further 12 months (at commissioner discretion)

The objectives of the Trans Health Service are:

• provide a high-quality, timely and sustainable service for adults (17 and over) who have gender dysphoria; and promote respect, dignity and equality for all individuals.
• provide a service with a visible profile and presence within Sussex, with at least 1 physical location where individuals feel safe, supported and welcomed.
• provide a service with robust clinical and operational governance structures, systems and frameworks
• establishment of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who either have experience or are interested in developing competencies and expertise in the care of individuals with gender dysphoria
• engagement with and inclusion of the trans and non-binary communities of Sussex in the co-design and ongoing development and delivery of the pilot service
• establishment and development of meaningful collaborative relationships with local statutory services and voluntary sector services to meet the needs of the population
• exploitation of digital technology to facilitate patient access and enhance the patient experience