Independent Patient Safety Investigation into prescribing practices at WellBN GP practice in Brighton and Hove
Independent Patient Safety Investigation
This Independent Patient Safety Investigation was looking at the prescribing of medications to children under 18 that fell outside of NHS commissioned services, clinical policy and guidance.
Children and young people seeking support for gender dysphoria or incongruence on the NHS should be referred into specialist, nationally commissioned services.
Puberty suppressing hormones are no longer being offered for the treatment of gender dysphoria or incongruence outside of NHS-commissioned clinical research, and prescribing of masculinising / feminising hormones is currently paused pending the outcome of a public consultation on a revised draft clinical commissioning policy that would prevent their future use to treat children and young people.
This investigation, led by NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) with support from NHS England, was carried out in accordance with the investigation’s Terms of Reference.
More information is available below via NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB. This includes details about:
- The scope of the investigation and outcomes
- Next steps
- Supporting information.
Support available
Every family is receiving a personalised letter sharing the outcome of their case note review, and recommended next steps for onward care and support, including prioritised referrals into specialist services. Everyone is strongly encouraged to take up their referral into the specialist NHS gender services.
Dedicated phone line
A dedicated information line for young people under 18, and their families, who are receiving gender care from WellBN. You do not need to be a resident of Sussex to use this.
If you have questions regarding how this investigation may affect you, or you need support because this news has upset you, please call the following helpline. On this call, your details will be taken, and a support worker will quickly call you back at an agreed time.
- The number to call is: 0300 131 6775, then select option 3
- This number is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The support workers are NHS staff who are experienced in supporting young people and their families who are receiving, or who have been referred, to gender services.
Further mental health and wellbeing support
To help provide support during this time, specialist mental health resources are available from NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB - the details of which are in the factsheet linked below.
Find more information here