NHS to review sex change operations (Sheffield Star)
NHS to review sex change operationsA Sheffield transsexual today welcomed a decision by health chiefs to review a policy on sex change operations.
Today, Krystyna said: “I am very pleased that Sheffield Health is going to change its policy. They have agreed with us that the policy is flawed and it needs to be changed” Review “We want them to look at the patient’s clinical needs as they would for any other condition”. Only one person a year is referred by Sheffield Health Authority for an assessment by a NHS psychiatrist each year. Krystyna is 15th on the list and unless the rules are changed believes she may have to wait 15 years to have the operation. She has been living as a woman for several years. Dr Freda Eskin, deputy director of public health at Sheffield Health said: “We are reviewing our policy. It looks like the backlog of cases will be dealt with but we have to work within the money allocated.” Copyright © Sheffield Star, 1999 |
Krystyna Haywood, aged 30, of Heeley Green, believes she may have a better chance of getting the male to female operation after initially being told she faced a 15 year wait on the NHS. Sheffield Health’s change of heart came the day before three transsexuals won their legal battle against North West Lancashire Health Authority’s decision to refuse them treatment, on the basis it was unlawful.