A trans advocacy organisation has condemned the withdrawal of endocrine care for young trans people receiving treatment through WellBN, warning that patients could be left without access to gender-affirming healthcare.
In a statement issued following the publication of an NHS Sussex investigation into the Brighton GP practice, TransActual said it was "disturbed" to learn that young trans patients had received letters informing them that their access to endocrine care would end in July.
According to the organisation, patients aged 16 and over will be referred to NHS Children and Young People's gender services, but with "no guarantee" they will be able to continue receiving gender-affirming hormone treatment. For those under 16, TransActual said there would be "no prospect" of accessing hormone treatment through the NHS until adulthood and no certainty of being able to obtain puberty blockers.
The campaign group argued that the move risks causing immediate harm to young people currently receiving care.
The NHS Sussex investigation was launched following legal action brought on behalf of a parent who raised concerns about their teenage child's transition-related treatment at the practice. The resulting report, published this week, examined the care provided by WellBN to young transgender patients.
While the investigation identified concerns and repeatedly referred to the possibility of "potential harm", TransActual highlighted a section of the report which acknowledged that WellBN staff had demonstrated a "genuine desire and commitment" to supporting young trans people and their families.
The organisation said many patients had reported positive experiences of care at the practice, particularly after facing long waits to access specialist NHS gender services.
TransActual argued that the greater danger now lies in the loss of treatment pathways for young people who may find themselves without access to ongoing care.
"While the investigation points repeatedly to 'potential harm' to young people at the clinic, young trans people now face the very real harm of being left with no clear route to accessing care - or no route at all," the statement said.
Addressing affected patients and families directly, the organisation added: "TransActual stands with you.
"You deserve access to timely, affirming healthcare, free from political interference and we will keep working until access to that care is restored."
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