NHS England has today published an Interim Gender Protocol for the purpose of addressing the significant variations in equity of access currently experienced by patients using gender identity services across England.

The protocol aims to achieve national consistency in the commissioning of these services, and is the culmination of extensive work to adapt the NHS Scotland protocol, ensuring that it meets the needs of patients; provides for the safe delivery of services, and reflects NHS England structures.

The document, which has been the subject of extensive engagement with patients and carers, has been introduced primarily to allow time to develop, and publicly consult on, a new NHS England policy and service specification which will be developed through the Gender Identity Services Clinical Reference Group (CRG).

It should be used and read in conjunction with the UK Intercollegiate Good Practice Guidelines for the Assessment and Treatment of Adults with Gender Dysphoria and is cross-referenced to its relevant sections. The NHS England Interim Protocol is not intended to be exhaustive in content. Issues not covered in this document should be managed in accordance with the UK Intercollegiate Good Practice Guidelines.