Patients 'coached to fast-track sex change treatment'

Specialist says 'holistic' assessments of gender identity needed

Prof Donal O’Shea. Photo: Frank Mc Grath

Niamh Horan

Vulnerable patients are being "coached" on how to outwit a psychological evaluation in order to gain access to hormone treatment and gender-related surgery, it has been claimed.

Ireland's leading endocrinologist, Professor Donal O'Shea, has warned that he believes some advocacy groups are prepping patients to fast-track their way to gender transition - without undergoing an appropriate mental health assessment.