Open Letter to Wes Streeting

Dear Rt Hon Wes Streeting,

Following your recent announcement that you are "actively reviewing" whether to ban or restrict the private prescription of cross-sex hormones to 16-17 year olds, we are writing to offer our expertise to inform this critical decision.

The potential restriction would leave young trans people with no alternative but to endure the current five-year-plus waiting times for NHS gender services – a delay that can have profound consequences during these crucial developmental years.

As the only CQC-regulated private service currently prescribing these medications to this age group, and the only gender service - NHS or private - to receive an ‘Outstanding’ rating - the Gender Plus Hormone Clinic team witnesses daily the positive impact these treatments have on our patients. Our clinical data consistently demonstrates improved mental health outcomes, reduced distress, and enhanced quality of life for young people receiving appropriate hormonal support.

The Need for Genuine Expertise

While you have rightly sought input from NHS experts, as an independent provider with an active patient list, we can offer a great deal of knowledge and expertise to help provide a more rounded analysis of the situation. 

Gender Plus comprises many expert clinicians who previously worked in NHS gender services but have since moved to the private sector. Our senior leadership team brings decades of combined experience of working with gender-diverse youth, as well as other relevant expertise in paediatrics, CAHMS, autism and trauma. We are supported by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team which includes psychologists, endocrinologists, and specialist nurse prescribers.

Evidence-Based Practice, Not Activism

We are committed to evidence-based practice focused on patient welfare. Our approach prioritises thorough and holistic assessments, appropriate safeguarding, and careful monitoring - it was these principles that resulted in our CQC ‘Outstanding’ rating - and it is our core belief that this is what should guide all responsible medical practice.

We maintain detailed outcome data that supports wider evidence which demonstrates the overwhelmingly positive impact of hormonal treatments when appropriately prescribed to young people with persistent gender incongruence. This evidence is an invaluable piece of the puzzle in informing policy decisions affecting this vulnerable population. 

A Request for Dialogue

We respectfully request the opportunity to meet with you. We can share our clinical insights, outcome data, and the real-world evidence that should underpin any policy review.

A thorough assessment cannot be complete without input from practitioners who work directly with this population. Young people and their families deserve to have their voices heard through the clinicians who understand their experiences most intimately.

The most effective protection for any child comes from listening to them, their families, and the professionals who support them – not from decisions made in isolation from their lived reality.

We would welcome the opportunity to arrange a meeting at your convenience to discuss this vital issue further.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Aidan Kelly he/him

Consultant Clinical Psychologist 

Director at Gender Plus

Paul Carruthers he/him

Nurse Consultant 

Gender Plus Hormone Clinic Manager

Claudia Zitz they/them

Consultant Clinical Psychologist 

Clinical Lead at Gender Plus