At least 100 children were prescribed puberty-blocking drugs during the period the NHS took to finalize decisions and policies.
People who are currently taking puberty blockers can continue using them without participating in a clinical trial.
NHS England hopes to conduct a research study into the use of puberty blockers by December 2024, but eligibility criteria have not yet been determined.
Health Secretary Maria Caulfield said: “We have always been clear that the safety and welfare of children is our top priority, so we welcome this landmark decision by the NHS.”
“Ending the routine prescription of puberty blockers will help ensure that care is based on evidence and expert clinical opinion and is in the best interests of the child.”
Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch said: “This decision is a victory for protecting children in NHS care.”
She added: “We are very pleased to see the change in ‘exceptional circumstances’ for prescribing puberty blockers.
“Our approach to children’s health and wellbeing must always be informed by evidence, not ideology.”
An NHS spokesperson said: “NHS England has carefully considered the evidence review carried out by NICE and the further published evidence available to date.
“At this time, we have concluded that there is not enough evidence to support the safety or clinical efficacy of puberty-suppressing hormones to make this treatment routinely available.”
“A holistic approach to care”
From 2021 to 2022, Tavistock had over 5,000 referrals to Gid, compared to just under 250 a decade ago.
Following the closure of Tavistock, two new NHS services will open in early April at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
Centers in other regions will be established at a later date.
The NHS said children attending these clinics would be supported by clinical experts in neurodiversity, paediatrics and mental health, “resulting in a holistic approach to care”.
Approximately 250 patients are expected to be transferred from Gids once the new clinic opens.
Around 5,000 additional children and young people are awaiting referral to the new clinic.
More than 4,000 responses were received to the consultation about the future of the service, of which around a quarter were from the public, 22% from patients, 21% from parents, 10% from trans adults and 5% from clinicians. .
Jon Stewart, national director of NHS England’s specialist committees, told the PA news agency:
“Many said the policy did not go far enough in that it still allowed potential access[to puberty blockers]through research, but it was clear that they fundamentally disagreed. Some said it should be made available on a regular basis to everyone who believes it is needed.”
