Right to Health

The Gender Wellbeing Clinic

Trans Specific Healthcare was included under the national health service following an amendment to Schedule V of the Social Security Act in 2018. The Gender Wellbeing Clinic started offering its services in November 2018 with the official opening of the Clinic in January 2019. By September 2021, the Clinic has already welcomed around 250 referrals, with this number increasing daily.

Services offered by the clinic’s multi-disciplinary team range from prescriptions for free hormone treatment, assessments for those seeking surgical interventions, psychosocial support services, family therapy and voice therapy. More information on the Gender Wellbeing Clinic can be accessed here.

A website on the specific health needs of trans patients and clients aimed at all health-care professionals was developed as part of the EU co-funded TRANSFORM Project. It provides an in-depth description of the services provided by the Clinic together with the referral form.




Preservation of Gametes and In Vitro Fertilisation

In 2020, the preservation of gametes including for trans persons was introduced and made available through the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinic as part of the NHS. The same clinic also offers in vitro fertilisation treatment to lesbian couples, trans men and single persons.

HIV Testing, Prevention and Treatment
 
In 2018 several pharmacies began stocking HIV self-testing kits. In 2019, a number of pharmacies also began offering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxes better known as PrEP at a cost of around €55 a month. A new pharmaceutical regimen for HIV started to be rolled out in December 2020 and patients are gradually shifting to this new treatment.
 
TRANSFORM Project​
 
In 2018 the SOGIGESC Unit submitted a REC project funding application to address inequalities faced by LGBTIQ persons when accessing health care. The project was implemented between November 2019 and February 2022. Further information on the initiatives undertaken as part of this project can be found here​.