In 2019, the Department of Health asked the then Health and Social Care Board to lead a review into gender identity services. This did not include a review of gender reassignment surgical services.
Listening events were organised by the Review Group in November and December 2019 to hear the issues and experiences of those who had used, were using or waiting to use gender services.
Common themes such as information, communication and timely access to services emerged from both events.
As part of the fact finding within the Review Group, models from other jurisdictions were explored to see what learning there might be for future service models in Northern Ireland.
Conversations were had with colleagues in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland in an effort to learn from their experiences and hear of different approaches to delivering gender identity services.