£250k of tax cash for sex changes

Almost £250,000 of taxpayers' cash could be spent on sex change operations in a Black Country borough each year, it emerged today.

Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT) is reviewing its policy on gender dysphoria and expects the number of procedures to increase to around four a year – costing up to £60,000 a time. Bosses today declined to confirm current numbers, citing patient confidentiality, but revealed over the past three years, there had been "five or less" such operations.

Female-to-male surgery costs around £60,000, while male-to-female surgery is about £15,000.

Dr Christopher Chiswell, public health doctor for Sandwell PCT, said the trust was examining its policy on the funding of treatments for gender dysphoria.

He said the review would seek to find ways to make the process easier to understand and minimise delays for those suitable for surgery, while making sure there was enough time for patients to fully explore their decision.

"We are working towards a policy that makes sure we offer appropriate interventions for gender dysphoria, in a way that ensures transgender individuals can make decisions about their care, fully aware of both the potential benefits and the significant risks," he said.

"Evidence shows that surgery can benefit carefully selected individuals, but there are major risks associated with it, including incontinence and an increased risk of suicide in some groups."

He said that historically, Sandwell PCT had seen around three to four people each year being referred for surgical interventions for gender dysphoria.

There are many different procedures, and costs vary depending on the individual choices made in each case.

He added: "Sandwell PCT recognises that the funding of sex reassignment surgery represents a difficult and controversial issue for many people.

"It is important that we provide fair and accessible support to individuals with gender dysphoria. We must also recognise the significant concerns about safety, and ensure that the right people are referred."

The PCT has an annual budget of £500,348,000.