Trans healthcare appeal: what you need to know

What’s the case about?

The NHS has a duty to see 92% of those referred to specialist healthcare services within 18 weeks, yet the average waiting time for young transgender people is nearly three years, and many adults face waits of four years or more.

Waits for treatment are leading to the loss of lives and things are getting worse, not better. 

We believe this cannot continue unchecked, so decided to take legal action.

What’s happened so far?

Last November, we and five co-claimants went to the High Court to argue that the waiting times, and other failures in trans healthcare services, are discriminatory and unlawful. 

In January 2023, we received news that our case had been rejected by the Judge – but we were granted permission to appeal the decision. 

Why appeal the decision?

Unusually, the Judge who made the initial decision gave permission to appeal, without referring the case up to the Court of Appeal.

In giving permission to appeal, he said that there was a ‘real prospect that the Court of Appeal might differ from the reasoning at [91]-[99] of my judgment’ and that ‘the point is of sufficient general importance to justify consideration by the Court of Appeal.’

This means there is a real prospect that we could see a different outcome in the Court of Appeal.

How can you help?

We can’t continue this work without your support. Unless we can raise £50,000 to fund the appeal, we and the co-claimants will not be able to challenge and try to overturn the High Court’s decision.

We’re more than halfway there – but we still need to raise around £15,000.

If you are in a position to donate, any amount big or small would be greatly appreciated. You can find out more information and make a donation by clicking on the button below:

Donate here