What are the policies/procedures for gender reassignment?

Dear Mr LoVecchio

RE: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000

Ref No: 107

Thank you for your request for information. Your request was received on
26 September 2008 and I am dealing with it under the terms of the Freedom
of Information Act 2000.

In some circumstances a fee may be payable and if that is the case, I will
let you know. A fees notice will be issued to you, and you will be
required to pay before we proceed to deal with your request.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please
remember to quote the reference number above in any future correspondence.

Yours sincerely

Donna Bamber

Programme Support Manager Clinical Governance

Jubilee House

Tel: 01772 645589

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Dear Sir/Madam

RE: Request for Information under the Freedom of Information Act
2000

Ref No: 107

I am writing to confirm that the PCT has now completed its search for the
information which you requested on 26/09/08.

A copy of the information requested is as follows:

Q Is it possible for the PCT to release a copy of its current
policy for assessment/treatment for gender reassignment/dysphoria?

A This is currently under development and will be available in
the near future.

Q What is the officially recognised path for patients requesting
gender reassignment?

A Please find attached Development of Commissioning arrangements
for gender reassignment services for North West patients. North West
Specialist Commissioning Team is also nearing the end of a piece of work
that will give an updated policy position and that will offer guidance and
advice on the protocols and pathways people in the North West should be
following. When completed this guidance will be made available to
professionals and the public who have an interest.

Q Is gender dysphoria classed as a mental-health issue by Central
Lancashire PCT?

A Although it falls within the mental health section of the
national definition set, the involvement of mental health professionals in
the pathway is two fold, firstly it has to rule out a mental illness as
being the motivation for wanting to change gender (some illnesses such as
psychosis and sometimes depression can lead to this wish to be the
opposite gender. Such illnesses need treating first to ascertain the true
nature of the desire). Secondly, MH services tend to be the services that
have the skills to explore the psychological difficulties likely to be
encountered on this complicated pathway and to help the patient through
those difficulties. In short it is not a mental health illness but does
need the specialist skills of mental health professionals to prepare the
person ultimately for surgical intervention.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please
remember to quote the reference number in any future communications.

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your
request and wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision,
you should write to:

Complaints Department

Central Lancashire PCT

Wigan Rd

Ormskirk

Lancs.

L39 2JW

If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply
directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the
ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints
procedure provided by Central Lancashire PCT. The Information Commissioner
can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe
House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.

Yours sincerely

Donna Bamber

Programme Support Manager Clinical Governance

Jubilee House

Tel: 01772 645589

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