GIDS Review Action Plan
29 March 2019
In the last 18 months the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at The Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust has worked very hard to adapt and strengthen structures and processes to accommodate a very rapid expansion in the Service and a more diverse and complex patient population.
This week the Board has agreed an action plan to build on the efforts the Service has been making and further improve the care offered to patients.
The action plan, announced to staff today and affecting all areas of the Service, will improve and formalise operational procedures and ensure consistency of approach across a rapidly growing workforce.
Paul Jenkins, Chief Executive of Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"The Gender Identity Development Service is a safe and highly specialised clinic for young people who have difficulties with their gender identity development – a complex and diverse patient group.
"The Trust’s newly appointed Medical Director was commissioned to carry out a Review to explore concerns raised by a member of staff external to the Service.
"The Review did not identify any immediate issues in relation to patient safety or failings in the overall approach taken by the Service in responding to the needs of the young people and families who access its support.
"It has, however, identified some important areas where further improvements could be made in the operation of the service.
"The Action Plan announced today will see the Trust implement all the recommendations within the next 12 months."