The Journal Investigates Trans Healthcare: Our Thoughts

Our community has long known the failures of our broken healthcare system, but getting the word out has always been a struggle. That’s why we’re relieved to see Conor O’Carroll break down the issues we face across their three recent articles. Containing first-hand accounts from almost 20 trans people, these articles demonstrate just how dire trans healthcare is in Ireland. Many of us who have endured scandalous treatment will no doubt feel vindicated seeing our struggle picked up by the media. Even though it’s painful for those coming forward, we are glad to have our story heard.

The Articles Summarized

The first article, titled "'It left me traumatised': The barriers to accessing transgender healthcare in Ireland", was published on 30 April and tackles the failings of the National Gender Service (NGS) to adequately treat its patients. Conor touches on topics such as extensive waiting lists, invasive questioning, and personal anecdotes from interviewees. Patients describe the experience as “like an interrogation”, and say that treatment decisions were based on external factors such as employment status.

The second piece, titled "Transgender people turning to DIY-healthcare due to lack of trust in the National Gender Service", was published on 1 May. Conor quotes interviewees, sharing their experiences of feeling forced to DIY their own healthcare. Conor also reports on letters sent to GPs by the NGS, advising GPs not to do hormonal monitoring bloodwork for their trans patients - despite the NGS requiring regular blood tests for their own patients. This has resulted in some trans people being refused by their GPs, and risking their health with unmonitored hormone levels. Conor reached out to the HSE to ask about these letters, but the HSE did not answer, citing "duty of confidentiality".

The last story, titled “Transgender people moving to Ireland put on long waitlist for vital healthcare until assessed”, was published on 2 May, and looks at how trans people moving to Ireland are unable to continue medical treatment they started abroad. The Journal spoke to one trans woman who had accessed care in several countries around Europe, and complained that Ireland was by far the worst - even Poland, during the era of “LGBT-free zones”, had provided better care for trans people!

If you want more detail, including expert input from Dr. Beth McElrea, please go and read the full articles. It’s well worth the time.

Make Some Noise

These accounts are scandalous, and we hope that this exposure will help lead to reforming trans healthcare in Ireland. As always, we strongly urge the trans community and allies to advocate for better healthcare. Now is the perfect time to take these articles, and amplify our stories. Send them to your TDs, send them to local media, send them to anyone you can! There will be no accountability if we don’t put on the pressure.

Find your TD

For Those Affected

We would like to remind those affected that support is available. If you feel you need immediate support, consider contacting LGBT Ireland Helpline on 1800 929 539, or Samaritans Ireland on 116 123. You can also reach out to various support groups/services, such as:

• National Support networks - TENI, BelongTo, LGBT Ireland

• Regional Support Centers - Listed by LGBT Ireland

• Regional Peer Support Groups -  Listed by LGBT Ireland

If you feel you need to make a formal complaint, there are some resources available too:

• Citizens Information explains how the complaints system works

• Patient Advocacy Service can advise and assist you in making a complaint

We at THA give our sincerest thanks to Conor O’Carroll, all The Journal staff who worked on publishing these articles, and everyone brave enough to come forward with their experiences.