Welsh Gender Service update - 25 September 2026

There is a more recent update here: Welsh Gender Service update – 5 October 2026 - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board continues to work closely with the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC), Welsh Gender Service colleagues and partners across Wales in relation to the temporary pause to referrals for gender affirming surgery, surgical assessments and scheduled surgery through the Welsh Gender Service. 

We recognise that this continues to be a difficult and uncertain period for many patients, families, staff and members of the wider community. We remain committed to providing clear, factual and timely information while supporting those affected by the pause and maintaining confidence in the safe delivery of care. 

As outlined previously, the pause applies specifically to the gender-affirming surgery pathway. The pause does not affect patients who have already had surgery and require follow-up care, those who are midway through a series of surgical procedures, treatment for complications or other clinically necessary aftercare. 

Other services provided through the Welsh Gender Service continue, including hormone therapy support, endocrine review, psychological support, speech and language therapy, and fertility preservation and treatment services. 

Patients with scheduled appointments should continue to attend unless they are contacted directly and advised otherwise. 

Independent Clinical Review 

Since the announcement of the pause, the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee has been working closely with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and surgical providers in NHS England to establish the independent review process. 

Experienced gender clinicians have now been appointed to the Independent Clinical Review panel and final preparations are underway. Once these arrangements have been finalised, affected patients will be contacted directly with information about what happens next.  

The review will begin with patients whose surgery was due to take place between August and December 2026. Reviews will start with those whose planned surgery dates were earliest and will continue in date order. 

Individual patients will not need to wait until the completion of the review process to receive an outcome. Where appropriate, surgery will be reinstated as soon as an individual's review has been completed. The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee has sought confirmation from NHS England surgical providers that patients who are able to proceed with surgery will be prioritised. 

Patients who are currently waiting for surgery during 2027, and those who are waiting for a surgical assessment, will also have their referrals reviewed to confirm that the requirements for surgery have been met. 

We understand that many patients are waiting for further information about what this review means for their individual care. Detailed information about the review process, next steps and individual arrangements will be shared directly with affected patients in the first instance. Following these communications, the Terms of Reference for the Independent Clinical Review will be published and made available on the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee’s website. 

It is important to note that the Independent Clinical Review is separate to the Welsh Gender Service Review, which is an assessment of the service as a whole, which has been planned since 2024. That review is considering the service against its current specification, relevant professional standards, emerging evidence and national development, with initial findings expected by the end of 2026. 

Keeping people informed 

We know that patients, stakeholders and the wider public continue to seek information about the current position. 

Regular updates and frequently asked questions remain available on our website and continue to be reviewed and updated as further information becomes available.  

Alongside our work with patients, we continue to engage with Welsh Gender Service teams, senior leaders, primary care colleagues, partner health boards, Welsh Government officials, professional bodies and representative organisations to ensure information remains consistent and up to date. 

Frequently asked questions

In response to feedback and questions received from patients, families and stakeholders, we have published a set of frequently asked questions, developed in partnership with Welsh Gender Service colleagues and the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee. These FAQs will continue to be updated as further information becomes available. 

Patients and stakeholders are encouraged to review the FAQs before contacting the service, as they may provide answers to many common questions. 

Read the frequently asked questions on the Cardiff and Vale UHB website

Questions, concerns and support 

We understand that some patients may require additional information, reassurance or emotional support during this period.  

To help provide additional support, the Concerns Team continues to act as a single point of contact for enquiries.  

If you have questions about the current pause, require clarification about your individual circumstances, or would like to request psychological support, please contact: Cav.Concerns@wales.nhs.uk  

While we may not yet be able to answer every question about the outcome or timeline of the Independent Clinical Review, we will continue to respond as openly as possible and provide updates when new information is confirmed.   

Patients who need urgent mental health support can also access services through:  

• NHS 111 Wales, Press 2: If you need urgent mental health support, call 111 and press option 2. The service is available across Wales, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and calls are free from a landline or mobile.   
• Samaritans: Call 116 123 free of charge at any time if you need someone to talk to.    
• Switchboard: Free LGBTQIA+ Support Line.    
• CALL (Mental Health Helpline for Wales): Offers emotional support and information on mental health related matters to the people of Wales.   

If someone’s life is at immediate risk, call 999 or attend the nearest Emergency Department.   

Other support and advocacy information can also be found on the Welsh Gender Service web pages.  

Thank you 

We would like to thank colleagues across the Welsh Gender Service and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board for their continued professionalism, compassion and commitment during this period. 

We are equally grateful for the support provided by colleagues across the NHS, partner organisations, advocacy groups and third-sector services across Wales. Their continued commitment to supporting patients, families and loved ones remains greatly valued. 

What happens next? 

Over the coming weeks, the Health Board will continue to provide regular updates and maintain open communication with patients, staff and stakeholders. We will continue to support the Independent Clinical Review and associated assurance processes, monitor feedback and emerging issues, and work closely with the NWJCC and partners to support the safe and timely progression of assurance activity and any subsequent service improvement actions. 

Our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue to provide clear, compassionate and transparent information while supporting patients affected by the pause and maintaining confidence in our commitment to safe, high-quality and person-centred care. 

You can read the Welsh Gender Service update published on 11 September 2026 here. 

You can read the Welsh Gender Service update published on 3 September 2026 here. 

You can read the Welsh Gender Service update published on 28 August 2026 here.