Newham's Inner North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (INEL JHOSC) convened on 15 October 2025, to discuss the impact of the Cass Review on LGBTQ+ health services, among other key health issues in the region.
Dr Paul Gilluley, Chief Medical Officer, presented a report on LGBTQ+ Health Services, which included a discussion of gender dysphoria and gender identity, as well as the Cass Report (Independent Review for Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People). The report also provides updates on the implementation of the Cass Report's recommendations within Newham and Inner North East London.
The committee reviewed the following:
- The Cass Report: The final report was published 10 April 2024. Gender services for children at the Tavistock and Portman closed in April 2024, and two new services (London and Manchester) opened. The report on LGBTQ+ Health Services mentions these changes. The aim is to have eight regional centers across England, with 32 recommendations relating to care provision, changes in NHS care pathways, and future research. The closure of the Tavistock and Portman clinic and the opening of new services in London and Manchester directly impacts patients from Newham and Inner North East London, who may now be served by these new facilities.
- North East London Gender Services for Children and Young People: Gender Services for children and young people are nationally commissioned. There is a managed waiting list for children and young people gender services, with 6,100 individuals on the waiting list. The waiting list is regularly reviewed and triaged. While the specific criteria used for triaging the waiting list were not detailed, the LGBTQ+ Health Services report confirms that this process occurs. As of March 2025, there are 194 patients on the GOSH South Hub caseload, three of whom are NEL ICB patients. Once transferred into the service, wait times are 6.8 weeks for an initial assessment.
- Treatment of children with gender dysphoria/incongruence: On 3 June 2024, the Secretary of State issued an emergency restriction on the prescribing of puberty blockers in the treatment of gender incongruence in those under 18 years. On 11 December 2024, legislation was passed to make the restriction on puberty blockers permanent. The report on LGBTQ+ Health Services includes information on this. Information on specific alternative treatments or support being offered to children and young people with gender dysphoria/incongruence now that puberty blockers are restricted was included in the report.
- Inclusion health and health inequalities: The LGBTQ+ population in the UK experiences significant physical and mental health inequalities compared to the general population. Pride in Practice is active in north east London, with tailor-made interventions to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ local residents.
- Adult Gender Services Review: In August 2024, commissioning of a review of adult gender services was initiated to assess quality and care pathways, with the outcome awaited, according to the LGBTQ+ Health Services report. The expected outcomes and timeline for this review are not yet available.
The INEL JHOSC Scrutiny Forward Plan 25/26 Cycle includes an Update on Cass/ Sexual Health
on the meeting agenda, indicating ongoing attention to these issues.