Trans girl's suicide over "extraordinary delays" in healthcare ruled "preventable" by coroner
– 2 min read
Warning: This article discusses topics related to suicide, which may be distressing for some readers.
TransLucent, a trans advocacy organisation, has condemned the "extraordinary delays" in helping trans youth after the death of 17-year-old trans girl Leia Sampson-Grimbly, who took her own life waiting for gender dysphoria treatment, was ruled preventable.
Leia, described as “complex, kind, intelligent and determined” and “greatly loved by all who knew her,” took her own life in 2024 after months of struggling with her mental health while seeking specialist treatment.
Senior Coroner Andrew Walker ruled that the waiting lists for a first appointment at the centre Leia sought help from - Camden’s Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust - were “far too long”.
“Having to battle with changes to her body without receiving the necessary preventative treatment, together with the many hurdles and setbacks, gradually eroded her belief that she would succeed and everything would be alright,” Mr Walker added.
In a release, TransLucent said: "Leia’s tragic deterioration was linked to the systemic failure of the healthcare system.
"As she waited many months for treatment, Leia faced persistent hostility and was exposed to harmful social media content inciting people like her to suicide."
Leia Sampson-Grimbly’s death is a direct consequence of a healthcare system designed to delay, obstruct, and ultimately deny necessary medical treatment to vulnerable trans youth
TransLucent highlights that while the Senior Coroner urged the centre to do more to bring down waiting lists, the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust’s specialist gender clinic for children and young people was closed last year when Leia was seeking treatment. Services have since been transferred to new providers, although in many areas of the country, a service is not available.
“Leia Sampson-Grimbly’s death is a direct consequence of a healthcare system designed to delay, obstruct, and ultimately deny necessary medical treatment to vulnerable trans youth,” said a spokesperson for TransLucent.
TransLucent said it "unequivocally condemns the "near impossibility of receiving gender affirming healthcare for trans youth following the recent Cass Review", which the organisation notes has been "widely criticised by healthcare professionals worldwide".
It added: "Leia’s death, ruled preventable by a senior coroner, is a sad indictment of the UK government and NHS England’s failure to safeguard the lives of trans teenagers. Urgent, comprehensive action is needed in order to prevent further harm, including suicide, to young people seeking gender-affirming care."
A spokesperson for the Trust said: "Our sincere condolences go to the family. The trust is engaging with the coroner following the Prevention of Future Death report."
