Greens call for action over ‘outrageous’ trans healthcare waiting times
In a letter to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Kayleigh cited figures from Public Health Scotland and Scottish Trans which expose how the system is failing patients.
Scottish Trans' analysis shows that, at current rates, someone joining a waiting list today could wait between 160 and 660 years to be seen, with services offering just six to 24 first appointments each year while more than 4,000 people remain on waiting lists.
For many, that means they are unlikely ever to receive the healthcare they need.
Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill MSP said:
"Our NHS should work for all of us, but these waiting times are outrageous.
"It is heartbreaking that so many trans people are being left waiting years for the healthcare they need, with many facing the prospect of never reaching the front of the queue.
“For others, if they do ever get an appointment, it is often a long way from where they live and with little access to local support in the meantime.
"The last few years have been incredibly difficult for LGBTQ+ people. Trans people in particular have seen their rights rolled back while cynical and reactionary politicians have sought to scapegoat, demonise and ridicule them for who they are.
"The Scottish Government must act to cut these unacceptable waiting times and ensure everyone can access the healthcare they are entitled to."
Text of letter from Kayleigh to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health
I am writing on behalf of trans and non-binary constituents living in the Edinburgh and Lothians East region.
They have flagged to me that recent data from Public Health Scotland, as well as information shared with Scottish Trans from FOI releases, show that the current waiting times to access this service are, to be frank, outrageous.
A person who joined the waiting list today would expect to wait somewhere between 160 and 660 years if the service continues to offer between 6 and 24 appointments to new patients a year when more than 4000 are waiting. This means that many people on the waiting list or who may join in the future are unlikely to ever be seen by the service.
Further afield the statistics are just as heartbreaking. Sandyford GIC in Glasgow has the longest waiting lists - and half of the health boards in the country send people there. Scotland’s current system of having just 4 GICs trying to meet the needs of all trans and non-binary people who need gender affirming care simply isn’t working.
The current situation warrants an emergency response from all health boards across Scotland. I would be grateful if you can advise how the Scottish Government is working to improve immediate access to trans healthcare and what assurances you can make to trans and non-binary Scots that this care will be collaborative, accessible, resourced and equal for all.
Yours sincerely,
Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill MSP