Tavistock gender clinic legal action

The Tavistock gender clinic could be facing considerable legal action, and our Group Action Lawyers are available for free, no-obligation legal advice now.

The matters surrounding the clinic relate to minors undergoing treatment for gender dysphoria and engaging in transitioning services. The media has widely publicised criticism in relation to the treatment that was provided for minors, and a recent interim report from Dr Hilary Cass identified the requirement for changes.

Our lawyers and legal team are able to speak to anyone who feels they may have been let down by the Tavistock gender clinic, and discuss whether there could be a case for compensation to answer.

Closure of Tavistock GIDS (Gender Identity Development Service)

The Tavistock GIDS (Gender Identity Development Service) closed recently, and there has been widespread controversy, criticism and court cases surrounding the clinic.

An interim report from Dr Hilary Cass that has been looking into reviewing the way in which treatment is provided for minors in respect of transitioning, as well as allegations from former employees of the Tavistock gender clinic, indicates that changes are required. There have already been some changes in respect of the way in which such treatment is provided, with the focus about the quality of care that was provided specifically at the Tavistock gender clinic before its closure.

What we know so far is that it has been accepted that changes need to be made and changes are already in the process of being made. We have also seen the criticism in the media from former employees where allegations have been made that treatment plans and care provided has been somewhat of a lottery. It has been suggested that the nature of any screening conducted before treatment was initiated, and indeed any plans and treatment put in place, have varied too wildly depending on the clinicians involved. The fears are that there could be people who now realise that they have made a mistake, in which case their situations must be investigated to assess the level of care that they received.

If it is deemed that the level of care that they received was inadequate, there may have been a breach of duty on the part of the clinic. This could mean that the clinic is liable for a medical negligence compensation case, which is what our Group Action Lawyers are looking into.

Group action over Tavistock gender clinic treatment

Our Group Action Lawyers are able to advise anybody who may feel that the treatment they received from the Tavistock gender clinic was inadequate. It is thought that there could be a number of people who may require their situation to be at least reassessed. If it is the case that a large number of people have been affected by widespread breach of duty issues, a group or multi-party action may move forward.

Consent is key when it comes to treatment. In the case of minors, there is the longstanding “Gillick” competency principle which is about the clinicians deciding as to whether a child is competent and intelligent enough to be able to consent to treatment. In the court case of Bell v Tavistock, there was initially shifts in the principle of children consenting to treatment based on court-issued guidance. More recently, the Court of Appeal essentially maintained the current ideology that children can consent to treatment as long as they are competent to do so. This means that transitioning services and the issuance of drugs can continue for minors, but what we are looking at is whether there has been a breach of duty of care specifically in relation to the Tavistock gender clinic for some patients.

If anyone who previously received treatment and advice feels that mistakes were made, we need to look at the issue of consent and any wider mental health matters. Some of the criticisms that the Tavistock gender clinic faced is that wider mental health matters were not properly accounted for when treatment plans were put in place for minors to transition. Clearly, this is a matter that needs to be carefully considered for anyone who now believes that a mistake has been made.

Free, no-obligation advice: always confidential

The Group Action Lawyers have been fighting for justice for individuals who have been affected by medical negligence matters for many years. From the PIP Breast Implants scandal, to the various vaginal and hernia mesh issues which related to consent matters, we know how important it is that patients are fully informed before engaging in life-changing treatment.

Our experts are able to provide free, no-obligation legal advice to anyone who feels they may have been let down by the Tavistock gender clinic. We can do so on a completely confidential basis. We can have a conversation about your experience and why you feel you may have been let down, and then we can advise you if we believe there is a legal case to pursue. If you think we can help you, we may be able to represent you for a claim for medical negligence compensation on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Please do not hesitate to speak to our team for free, no-obligation legal advice here now.