The ‘Trans Healthcare in Ireland’ research is the first dedicated quantitative study regarding trans and non-binary people in Ireland in relation to accessing gender-affirming care and healthcare related to gender identity. It identifies the specific pathways to trans healthcare accessed by trans people and explores the potential barriers encountered during access. The Trans Healthcare in Ireland research was conducted by Associate Professor Dr. Aideen Quilty in collaboration with Belong To and funded by the Community Foundation Ireland. The final sample consisted of 454 trans and non-binary people between the ages of 14 and 30 years
The research shows that barriers to accessing trans healthcare in Ireland mean that vital healthcare is essentially non-existent for this group. Findings show that 1 in 3 trans adults waited at least three years for a first appointment to access trans healthcare in Ireland, while just 1 in 4 (14% ) trans young people successfully accessed trans healthcare in Ireland.
Key findings from this new study indicate that trans healthcare is widely inaccessible in Ireland as a result of waiting times, lack of information, lack of guardian support, cost and negative experiences in healthcare settings
As part of this research belong to present a solution to the lack of trans healthcare in Ireland – adapting the australian model in Ireland
Belong To presents a solution to the challenge of trans healthcare in Ireland – looking to the Australian model of trans healthcare. For over a decade, Australia has been providing a high-quality person-centred service of care that meets the needs of both medical professionals and trans individuals. Since then, those who have availed of trans healthcare in Australia have benefited from improved mental health outcomes and wellbeing through a model that is equitable, grounded in medical best practice and evidence and centres trans people as the experts of their lived experiences.
Aligned with Sláintecare’s core principle of community-based, integrated care, Belong To’s vision is for a local, safe and informed approach to trans healthcare, embedding key learnings and successes from the Australian model of trans healthcare.
This vision is an accessible and holistic model of care, grounded in medical best practice and international and national research, human rights best practice. The vision sets out a pathway for healthcare that is Local (integrated, equitable and sustainable), Safe (person-centred and grounded in best medical practice) and Informed (accountable and rights based).