Review of suicides and gender dysphoria at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust: independent report – GOV.UK

Aim of this review

I have reviewed data provided by NHS England (NHSE) on suicides by young patients of the gender services at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, based on an audit at the trust. The specific aim is to examine evidence for a large rise in suicides claimed by campaigners.

Summary of conclusions

1. The data do not support the claim that there has been a large rise in suicide in young gender dysphoria patients at the Tavistock.
2. The way that this issue has been discussed on social media has been insensitive, distressing and dangerous, and goes against guidance on safe reporting of suicide.
3. The claims that have been placed in the public domain do not meet basic standards for statistical evidence.
4. There is a need to move away from the perception that puberty-blocking drugs are the main marker of non-judgemental acceptance in this area of health care.
5. We need to ensure high quality data in which everyone has confidence, as the basis of improved safety for this at risk group of young people.

 

Source: Review of suicides and gender dysphoria at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust: independent report – GOV.UK