Green councillors have called on the NHS in Brighton & Hove to review how it can improve healthcare for people who are trans.
In a letter to April’s meeting of the health overview and scrutiny committee, councillors Hannah Clare and Steph Powell have written jointly to request a review.
In 2013, the city’s Trans Equality Scrutiny Panel, chaired by council leader Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty, recommended many improvements to healthcare including the possibility of opening a gender identity clinic.
Greens have asked that the NHS once again review these plans, with current figures showing that the waiting list for London’s gender identity clinic is over 10,000 and those referred have waits of around five years.
A 2021 study by TransActual found that 98% of trans people surveyed across the UK found transition-related healthcare available on the NHS as not adequate.
Councillor Hannah Clare, Chair of the Children, Young People and Skills Committee, said: “In my role I regularly meet with young people and I’m struck by how many have reported their desire for better access to healthcare.
“Recently, a young person in a school visit I undertook asked me why we had no Gender Identity Clinic in Brighton & Hove. Nearly 10 years after a request from the city’s trans scrutiny panel I think this is an incredibly important question which needs an answer.”
Councillor Steph Powell, Co-Chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture committee, added: “Trans people are right now under constantly attack in the press and online and the Government’s recent announcement on conversion therapy is a further blow. We must do more for our trans residents to help them feel safe and ensure they get the right access to healthcare.
“I hope that the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee can have an in-depth look at this important topic and work with the NHS to introduce any required changes”
Featured image shows Cllr Hannah Clare (L) and Cllr Steph Powell (R).