More cash to fund extra sex changes
GENDER reassignment surgery could be given increased funding in the county after health bosses came in for criticism for offering just three such operations a year.
Norfolk Primary Care Trust (PCT) has reported a marked increase in referrals for gender surgery over the past few years, particularly female to male.
The county has traditionally funded three operations per year, usually two male to female and one female to male, which has kept pace with demand.
However, last year was the first year when demand outstripped capacity and at present there are two patients, who have been declined surgery, waiting for operations in 2008/09 and another who decided to postpone the procedure.
The lack of availability has prompted a complaint from a Norfolk patient to the Healthcare Commission and a review has now been carried out on Norfolk PCT’s gender dysphoria policy.
A report due to go before the PCT’s board today recommends capacity is now raised for 2008/09 to help clear the log jam of patients waiting for surgery.
The report states: “The increase in referrals has gone from an average of seven per year to 12 in 2006/07, with eight new referrals this financial year to date.
“There are nine patients who are suitable for gender reassignment surgery in the financial year 2008/09. Although only one of the patients declined this year complained through official channels, the other patient has been extremely unhappy with the decision and has made covert suicide threats.”
The current cost of a male to female reassignment is 10,000, while female to male ranges from 39,000 to 54,000.
The PCT would need an additional 93,000 to clear the log jam of patients over the next financial year, taking the annual budget from 76,000 to 163,000.
The report recommends that increased funding is made available for 2008/09 with a review to be conducted on priority setting for subsequent years.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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