The Health Minister has published a report which assessed
Northern Ireland's Gender Identity Service's compliance against
the 2024 Cass Review.
Minister Nesbitt commissioned Dr in September 2025 to assess
whether changes to services for children and young people with
gender incongruence and gender dysphoria in Northern Ireland are
compliant with her recommendations in the review of services in
England.
The report Cass Assessment report for
Gender Identity Services | Department of
Health concluded that the Department's position now
presents a crucial opportunity to develop a Regional Lifespan
Gender Service, and to build the foundations for a collaborative
relationship with the English under-18's services.
Health Minister said: “In 2024 Dr Cass
published her wide-ranging and landmark review into gender
identity services for children and young people in the UK. There
is simply no one better placed to provide an assessment of the
gender identity service provision in Northern Ireland.
“Given the significant political and media commentary around the
decision to proceed forward with a Regional Lifespan Gender
Identity Service, I commissioned Dr Cass to conduct this
assessment.
“It is vital that we get these services right, to ensure children
and young people in Northern Ireland receive a high standard of
care that meets their needs and is safe, holistic and effective.”
Dr Cass' assessment of services in Northern Ireland commends the
integration of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service,
clinical and social services within its current model of care.
Dr said: "I commend Minister
Nesbitt for the investment he has committed to the Lifespan
Service, and in particular, for the benefits it will bring for
children and young people with gender incongruence and gender
dysphoria.
“These young people often have very complex needs and require
holistic services that do not just focus on their gender, but on
their broader well-being. The changes will support joint working
and learning with teams in England, with a focus on helping young
people thrive and achieve the best possible outcomes in adult
life."
Dr Cass and her team have made key recommendations, focusing on
workforce development, supporting NI joining the UK National
Provider Network and participating in the PATHWAYS research
programme, with commitments already underway.
Department officials will now consider the recommendations and
work alongside counterparts in England, and Health and Social
Care (HSC) service providers in Northern Ireland to implement
them.
Minister Nesbitt thanked Dr Cass and her team: “I want to
acknowledge and thank Dr Cass and her team, for taking the time
to conduct this assessment during their visit to Northern Ireland
in November.
“I hope this report gives assurances that the new Lifespan Gender
Service is compliant with Dr Cass' 2024 review, and that the
decision to invest in new and additional psychological and
psychiatric support is the right approach.”
Notes to editors:
- The Cass report can be found here Cass Assessment report for
Gender Identity Services | Department of Health
- The Lifespan Gender Service, a redesign of existing
service provision, brings together the existing Children
and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Knowing Our
Identity Team and the Adult Gender Service into one model of
care, under a single management structure.
- The Regional Lifespan Gender Service in Northern Ireland will
provide age-appropriate support and treatment for individuals
experiencing gender dysphoria or who are exploring their gender
identity. It is important to note that referral to the service is
not gender affirming. It is an administrative step that initiates
access to comprehensive evaluation by specialist
multi-disciplinary teams. A referral or assessment does not imply
automatic access to affirming treatments or pre-empt clinical
outcomes.
- The Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for
Children and Young People, commonly referred to as the Cass
Review, was commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement in
2020. It led to the publication of a final report in 2024.
-
is a retired Consultant
Paediatrician and a former president of the Royal College
of Paediatrics and Child Health.
