NHS Wales suspends gender-affirming surgeries for clinical review

NHS Wales has suspended new referrals and scheduled surgeries for gender-affirming procedures. This decision follows an instruction from the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee to “immediately pause” these services while an independent clinical review examines the referral and assessment processes of the Welsh Gender Service.

The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which manages the service, noted that data from 2025 to 2026 indicated “significantly higher rates of referral for gender affirming surgery” from the Welsh Gender Service compared to similar services in England. While concerns have been raised regarding certain aspects of the referral and assessment processes, the health board stated that the higher referral rate does not inherently mean patients were referred inappropriately.

The suspension specifically impacts three areas: new referrals for gender-affirming surgery, surgical assessments, and surgeries that were already scheduled. Other aspects of the Welsh Gender Service, such as hormone therapy, psychological support, and speech and language therapy, will continue to operate. Patients with existing appointments have been advised to attend to discuss next steps and access ongoing support.