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17 APR 2015
HSE Report Launched in South-East Calls for Implementation of Treatment Pathways for Trans People
Yesterday (Thursday 16th April), the HSE and TUSLA published The Rainbow Report: LGBTI Health Needs & Experiences and Health Sector Responses in Kilkenny. This report was authored by Niall Crowley and launched by Deputy Jerry Buttimer TD and Senator Katherine Zappone. Dr Philip Crowley, HSE National Director Quality and Patient Safety and Vanessa Lacey, TENI Health and Education Manager also spoke at the event.
This important report explores the experiences of LGBTI people in the South-East and looks at ways to better support health professionals in the region to respond effectively to the needs of LGBTI clients. The report includes a specific focus on equality. Speaking at the launch, Dr Philip Crowley said, "There is no point in talking about quality without discussing equality."
Trans Experiences in Healthcare
Ten trans people and four parents of trans children were interviewed for this report. The participants reported predominantly negative experiences in accessing healthcare. For instance, one individual reported that they "felt dehumanised" in their interactions with the health service.
One of the key recommendations of the report was the need for the implementation of treatment pathways for trans people. The report also highlighted that there should be particular attention given to securing local health services for trans people once their treatment pathway has been established. This would mean that once this programme has been implemented that trans people from the South-East will not need to travel to Dublin to access treatment.
The report called on the HSE South-East region to:
- Provide training opportunities to health professionals to develop the medical skills necessary to contribute and play a role within this treatment path.
- Develop a system of signposting to enable trans people to know with ease the points of initial contact with the health service that would be open to and knowledgeable about trans people and to identify the specialist trans services that are available to trans people in the region.
The report also underscored the need for stronger family support and noted the pivotal role played by TransParenCI in supporting trans young people and their families in the South-East.
Speaking after the launch, TENI Health and Education Manager Vanessa Lacey said: "TENI were delighted to engage with Niall Crowley and HSE Social Inclusion Unit in developing this very insightful and informative research report. We will endeavour to provide assistance, information and training to ensure that the trans specific recommendations are addressed and that the lives of trans people and their families in the South-east are improved significantly."
Following the publication of this report an Action Group will be developed with all stakeholders, including TENI, to ensure that the recommendations in the report are carried out.
TENI would like to thank extend a special thanks to Niall Crowley and Dr Derval Howley.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact TENI's Health and Education Manager, Vanessa Lacey, on 085 147 7166 or vanessa@teni.ie.
Shortcut http://www.teni.ie/hse_report_launched_in_south_east_calls_for_implementation_of_treatment_pathways_for_trans_people