8 September 2026
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has been asked by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) to pause new referrals for gender affirming surgery, surgical assessments and scheduled surgeries while an independent clinical review takes place. The Health Board provides gender affirming surgery pathways for patients across Wales through the Welsh Gender Service
The review will examine how patients are assessed and referred for gender affirming surgery, and whether the way this is done is appropriate. The pause follows concerns raised by the NWJCC about referral numbers and how some assessments and referrals have been carried out.
Importantly, the pause applies only to the surgical pathway. Other Welsh Gender Service support remains available, including:
Patients with existing appointments with the Welsh Gender Service should continue to attend unless advised otherwise. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has stated that affected patients will be kept informed of any developments relating to their care.
We recognise this announcement may be concerning for patients, families and carers and more information, including where to access advice and support, can be found on the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board website.