Statement in response to Susan Evans & anonymous being unsuccessful in their appeal hearing

Dr Aidan Kelly, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director at Gender Plus

“We welcome the decision to refuse permission to appeal. This outcome reaffirms the original judgment's finding that the Care Quality Commission conducted a highly satisfactory, fully scrutinised, and robust regulatory process in registering the Gender Plus Hormone Clinic (GPHC) and awarding an Outstanding rating.

“This decision protects the right of young people to access CQC Outstanding-rated care and confirms that regulatory processes alone should determine how healthcare providers are assessed and registered.

“GPHC will continue to provide a pathway to safe, effective healthcare for transgender young people under 18 years of age in the UK, which is in line with current NHSE policy and international best practice. This is particularly vital at a time when access to this essential care on the NHS is extremely limited.

“While we hope this brings to an end a number of legal challenges that seek to deny healthcare to transgender young people in the UK, we understand that there is a small, well-funded, group of actors that seem committed to such actions. Nonetheless, we remain focused on our mission to deliver compassionate, safe Outstanding-rated care to the transgender community.”