Following the Cass Review, Scottish minister for public health Jenni Minto said a multi-disciplinary team led by the chief medical officer will meet to examine its clinical recommendations and consider how they may apply to NHS Scotland.

The Cass Review, published on 10 April, looked at gender identity services for under-18s in NHS England.

Giving an update on the Scottish government’s response to the review, which was chaired by creator of the report Dr Hilary Cass, the minister also restated the Scottish government’s commitment to invest £9 million to support the improvement of NHS gender identity healthcare in Scotland. 

Last week NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian issued a joint statement confirming a pause on new prescriptions for puberty hormone suppressants and cross-sex hormone medication for young people, as a treatment option for gender dysphoria.

Minto addressed Scottish Parliament yesterday (23 April) and started by directly speaking to young trans and non-binary people.

She said: "I know these last few weeks and months have been incredibly difficult, with increased media attention and toxic online commentary.

“I want to reassure you that the Scottish Government remains absolutely committed, not just to ensuring ongoing support is available for you, but to reforming and improving gender identity healthcare."

She said as well as investing £9 million into NHS gender identity healthcare, the Scottish government will invest a further £2 million each year until 2026.

In her statement, Minto reiterated the Scottish government’s commitment to make sure services are delivered to the highest standards, including continuing work to develop new National Standards for Gender Identity Healthcare.

These standards will be published in the summer.

The Cass Review has received mixed responses, with many LGBTQ+ charities calling it inadequate and dismissive of the proven positives of young people socially transitioning.