Answer
The National Gender Service (NGS) is available for trans people in Ireland. This service is for people that are over 18 years old, but you can be referred to the service from the age of 17. The referral to the service must come from your GP. This service is based at St. Colmcille’s Hospital Loughlinstown, Co Dublin
Steps in the NGS:
Step 1) Get a GP referral. A GP can refer in 3 ways – email or post the NGS referral form, post a letter of referral to the NGS or send a referral via HSE HealthLink.
Step 2) Move to the waiting list. Once the referral has been received, the person applying to the service will receive a letter in the post to confirm they are on the waiting list. If the person is under 18, the confirmation letter will be returned to the referring doctor.
Step 3) Initial assessment. The person will meet with members of the clinical team, including a consultant psychiatrist.
Step 4) The person will meet with members of the endocrine team at the first endocrine clinic appointment.
Optional surgery referral. if a person is interested in being referred for a gender affirming surgery, the National Gender Service can refer a person for surgical assessment. They require that the person has been prescribed hormones by their service for a set period of time.
For more information visit nationalgenderserviceireland.com
This is currently the only public pathway for adults to medically transition in Ireland. There are currently no public pathways for medical transition for those under 18 in Ireland. Contact you GP for further information.
Currently (2024) the wait time for the NGS is between 3 and 10 years. We understand the impact that these long waiting times can have on the mental health of young people.
If you would like support or a space to talk, please contact our Family Support Service.
Thank you,
Jen