From April 2017, the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust will be the providers for the Charing Cross West London Gender Identity Clinic for one year on an interim basis. The service moves from West London Mental Health Trust which served notice on their contract for the services earlier this year on the basis that patients requiring gender identity services would be better served in the long term by another provider.

The transition of the service from one trust to another is planned to happen with minimum disruption, over a timescale of two to three months. Existing patients will continue to receive their care uninterrupted, with the same staff, in the same location.

NHS England will undertaking a national procurement next which will confirm provision for adult gender services in the longer term.

Paul Jenkins, CEO at Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our focus is on taking over the service with minimum disruption, combining our expertise with the knowledge and skill of the current Adult Gender Clinic staff. We’re heartened by the positivity and openness of the team and we look forward to working together to provide the best possible outcomes for service users.”

Will Huxter, Chair of the NHS England Gender Task & Finish Group and Regional Director of Specialised Commissioning for London said: “Tavistock and Portman’s depth of experience and successful track record in gender identity services for children and young people, linked to the team from the West London adult Gender Identity Clinic, means patients from London and beyond will continue to receive an expert service. This change will not interrupt treatment plans for patients and will bring opportunities to build on the existing service using a holistic and considered approach, including a continued focus on reducing waiting times.”

James Barrett, Consultant in Adult Gender Dysphoria Medicine and Lead Clinician, West London Mental Health Trust said: “We are, as a team, delighted with this outcome. We look forward to strengthening our existing professional relationship with the Tavistock & Portman and are excited about the potential for sharing of our respective strengths, skills and combined experience working with trans and non-binary people.”