Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has called on the Department of Health to ensure the needs of trans people are being met more quickly by the Brackenburn Clinic.

Emma Sheerin said:

“In July last year, I welcomed the resumption of services at Brackenburn Clinic, which deals with gender identity.

“Services had been stalled and many people were on the waiting list for four years. 

“This week I asked the Minister for an update on the waiting list for the clinic, and he revealed that 566 people are currently waiting to receive healthcare. This has forced many people to turn to dangerous self-medication from the internet.

“This ongoing crisis has been detrimental to the mental health of both individuals and our LGBTQI+ community as a whole. 

“We know that rates of suicide and poor mental health are already much higher amongst trans young people, something directly related to the absence of services. 

“The trans community deserve and are entitled to rights-based, compassionate, healthcare and I urge the minister to ensure that the Brackenburn Clinic meets their needs.”