Gender clinic closure fears

Melbourne Community Voice, Australia
Gender clinic closure fears
Written by Rachel Cook
Wednesday, 15 April 2009 13:28

Concerns have been raised over the restructuring of Melbourne€ ’²s Monash
Gender Dysphoria Clinic.

The clinic, which provides treatment for people undergoing gender
reassignment, is reviewing their current structure and resourcing
services.

However, reports that the centre will no longer be able to provide
service or treatment have been denied.

A spokeswoman from Southern Health, an affiliation of Monash Gender
Dysphoria Clinic, said in a statement to MCV: € ’³A growing client list
and recent leadership change present a valuable opportunity to review
structure and resourcing to ensure the clinic is best placed to meet
future community needs in this field.

€ ’³Clinic services will temporarily be on hold for a short time as
clinic staff are involved in completing the review.€ ’´

The spokeswoman said all individual providers and clients are being
consulted and provided with alternative support.

€ ’³There will be absolute minimal disruption to care expected. We remain
committed to its [the clinic€ ’²s] future in delivering sensitive, high
quality gender assessment services.

The clinic would € ’³return to full operation from June 2009,€ ’´ she anticipated.

The Gender Dysphoria Clinic at Southern Health is the only unit of its
kind in Australia.

Spokesperson for TransGender Victoria, Sally Goldner (pictured), said
the Gender Dysphoria Clinic plays a vital role for people who are
transitioning or considering transitioning.

€ ’³Even if people aren€ ’²t aiming for surgery it€ ’²s still important to have
that consultation. [The Gender Dysphoria Clinic] can be the first
point of call to get information,€ ’´ Goldner said.

€ ’³The clinic is life saving. Without it those at the most extreme
levels of gender dysphoria are at risk of suicide.€ ’´

Copyright € © 2008 Evolution Publishing
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