NHS England - SPECIALISED SURGICAL SERVICES: GENDER DYSPHORIA MASCULINISING GENITAL PATHWAY

NHS England seek bids from providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver specialised surgical services (genitals) for patients with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and who are on the masculinising pathway. Successful Bidders will hold a single contract with NHS England, and services under that contract will be available to individuals eligible for NHS-funded care who are ordinarily resident in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - or otherwise who are the commissioning responsibility of the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - and who meet the various eligibility criteria described in the Commissioner's Service Specification. The NHS pathway of care for adults with gender dysphoria will differ according to the individual's goals. The envisaged adult pathway may typically be summarised as: • Referral to a specialist gender dysphoria service that is commissioned by the NHS • Assessment for gender dysphoria, and diagnosis • Individuals who meet the criteria for diagnosis of gender dysphoria are accepted on to the NHS care pathway and an individual treatment plan is agreed between the individual and their lead clinician in the NHS gender dysphoria service • Certain therapeutic interventions are delivered by the NHS gender dysphoria service; and / or referral for interventions with other providers; which may include recommendations to primary care for prescribing endocrine treatments • NHS gender dysphoria service makes a referral for surgical interventions of the chest and genitals if criteria are met via a National Referral Support Service • Ongoing review and monitoring during and after interventions • Conclusion of contact: discharge by NHS gender dysphoria service to primary care The approach for improving the surgical market is focused on establishing a flexible contract that facilitates patient choice based on a consideration of reliable data including new quality indicators. No volumes are guaranteed on the award of a contract. Contracts will be awarded to all providers who meet the minimum standard criteria. This tendering process will consist of two stages: (1) Stage 1 will entail Bidders expressing their interest and providing evidence of their capability and capacity in relation to the service requirements. The aim of this shortlisting stage is predominantly to test the capability and capacity of potential providers for this specialist service; (2) Stage 2 will either be: (a) for providers who currently hold a NHS contract for prescribed specialised surgical services - an assurance process assessing their capability to deliver the surgical element of the female to male pathway; or (b) for providers who do not currently hold a NHS contract for prescribed specialised surgical services - an assurance process assessing all aspects of surgical delivery and ongoing care for patients with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.