Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board

Case ref: 202202429

NHS organisation: Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board

Subject: Assessment of patients / Handling of whistleblowing concern

Date: January 2024

This is the report of the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer (INWO) on a whistleblowing complaint about the handling of a whistleblowing concern. It is published in terms of section 15(1) of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 which sets out the INWO’s role and powers. There is more information about this here: https://inwo.spso.org.uk/

Supported by the public and confidential appendices, it is a full and fair summary of the investigation.

Executive summary

1. The complainant (C) complained to the INWO about Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board (the Board). C raised concerns about the Board’s gender identity services, which the Board investigated under the National Whistleblowing Standards. C was dissatisfied with the Board’s response and complained to the INWO.
2. The complaint I have investigated is:
   1. The Board’s Young People’s Gender Identity Service does not carry out assessments that are clinically appropriate and patient-centred. (not upheld)
   2. The Board failed to investigate and appropriately respond to the concern raised in accordance with the Standards. (not upheld)
3. In making my decision, I recognised the complex and evolving nature of medicine in this field. I also recognised the considerable steps the Board has taken to provide a robust process for assessments. While the complaints were not upheld, my investigation recognised the significant pressures and challenges facing the service, and the impact on service delivery, such as waiting times. I recognise the Board has been open about these challenges and efforts to address these issues are ongoing.
4. My investigation identified areas of good practice by the Board, as well as areas of potential improvement, which has been included in my feedback.