Dozens of Children at Risk Following Gender Care Failures at GP Clinic, Inquiry Reveals

Investigation Highlights Systemic Gaps in Treatment for Young Patients

Dozens of children put at risk – A recent NHS safety inquiry has uncovered significant lapses in the care provided to children questioning their gender, including those as young as 11, by a Brighton GP clinic. The WellBN clinic, which specialized in transgender health, was found to have inappropriately prescribed puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones to 78 young patients between 2023 and late 2025. These medications, designed to alter physical development, were administered without thorough assessments, placing some children at risk of irreversible changes such as breast development or voice deepening. The report, issued by NHS Sussex, highlights concerns about the clinic’s ability to ensure safe and effective treatment for minors.

Systemic Failures and Immediate Consequences

The inquiry revealed that over 20 children received gender-related medications without face-to-face appointments, a practice that raised alarms among healthcare professionals. One unnamed doctor at the clinic has been suspended from NHS duties while investigations continue. NHS England has instructed the clinic to halt new prescriptions for children and has referred several current and former clinicians to medical regulators for review. Dr. Christopher Tibbs, regional medical director for NHS England, emphasized that the care provided by WellBN “was neither qualified nor commissioned” to deliver, leaving young patients vulnerable to harm.

WellBN’s Response and Service Expansion

In a statement, WellBN acknowledged the “seriousness and sensitivity of the matters raised” and reiterated its commitment to “compassionate, safe, and effective care.” The clinic, which opened a transgender health hub in 2020, aimed to address long wait times for specialist gender services in England. By last year, approximately 2,000 patients of all ages had registered with the service, many from outside Brighton. However, the report suggests that the clinic’s rapid expansion may have outpaced its capacity to provide rigorous evaluations for young patients.

Parental Concerns and Emotional Impact

The investigation was triggered by mounting complaints from families and the initiation of a civil legal case against the clinic and the NHS. Parents described the situation as a “medical scandal,” with one father claiming his 16-year-old child was prescribed hormones without his consent. “The stress of the situation had left me suicidal,” another parent said, reflecting on the emotional toll on their family. The clinic’s approach, while intended to support children struggling with gender identity, reportedly caused fractures within households, with some parents feeling estranged from their children.

Breakdown of Medication Prescriptions

According to the report, 44 children aged 16 and under were given puberty-blocking drugs, including 12 under the age of 13. One of these was just 11 years old. Additionally, 51 children in the same age group received cross-sex hormones, such as masculinising or feminising agents, which help align physical traits with an identified gender. These treatments can lead to permanent changes, raising questions about the long-term effects on young patients. The clinic’s focus on expedited care, in part due to limited access to specialist services, may have compromised the thoroughness of medical assessments.

Collateral Damage Beyond Medical Risks

While the primary concern is the medical treatment, the inquiry also noted “collateral damage” to family relationships. Rachel Cashman, co-founder of PSHE Brighton, highlighted that the stress of the situation had “ruptured” families, with some parents becoming estranged from their children. She added that children prescribed hormone treatments often had coexisting conditions like autism or ADHD, which might have been overlooked in favor of gender-focused care. The report found that 53 of the 78 cases reviewed showed possible neuro-developmental issues, suggesting a broader impact on children’s mental and physical health.

Legal and Regulatory Actions

The investigation, launched in June 2025 by NHS Sussex, examined the clinic’s practices after multiple families raised concerns about its treatment of under-18s. One father, who is pursuing separate legal action, told the BBC that his 16-year-old son accessed hormone treatment by forging his mother’s signature. The child was prescribed oestrogen without parental knowledge, illustrating the clinic’s reliance on quick decisions in the absence of formal appointments. This incident underscores the potential for errors when care is rushed to meet demand.

Broader Context of Health Education Campaigns

The issues at WellBN are part of a larger conversation about health education in schools. A coalition of local parents, school governors, and social workers began raising concerns about the clinic in 2023 as part of a wider campaign to address gaps in sex and gender education. While the clinic’s mission to support young people is commendable, the report questions whether its methods were appropriate for such a vulnerable demographic. Dr. Charlotte Canniff, joint chief medical officer for Surrey and Sussex ICB, noted that most patients referred to the clinic have since been transferred to specialist NHS gender services for further care.

Public Reactions and Ongoing Scrutiny

The findings have sparked debates about the balance between accessibility and safety in gender care. While some families praised the clinic for providing timely support, others criticized its lack of oversight. The BBC interviewed three parents of children treated at WellBN, all of whom remained anonymous to protect their identities. Their accounts emphasized the emotional and psychological strain on families, with one parent describing the experience as a “crisis of trust” in the healthcare system.

Implications for Future Care

The report serves as a cautionary tale for clinics offering gender-related treatments to minors. It underscores the importance of rigorous qualification processes and clear guidelines for clinicians. NHS England’s intervention, including suspending one doctor and halting new prescriptions, signals a shift toward stricter oversight. As the inquiry concludes, the focus remains on ensuring that children receive comprehensive care that addresses both their gender identity and overall health needs, while preventing further harm.

The case of WellBN highlights the challenges of meeting urgent demand in a system where access to specialist services is limited. While the clinic’s efforts to provide care to underserved patients are laudable, the report calls for a more structured approach to evaluate the risks and benefits of treatments for young people. Parents and healthcare professionals alike are now advocating for greater transparency and accountability in gender care, ensuring that every child’s journey is supported by evidence-based practices and a multidisciplinary team. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the clinic’s role in the broader landscape of transgender health care in England, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding patients and their families.

“It’s not just the medical damage, but the collateral damage for relationships and families that is far greater than people have ever really thought to examine,” Rachel Cashman added.

The findings also prompt reflection on the intersection of gender care and mental health. With many children experiencing gender dysphoria at a young age, the urgency to provide support is evident. However, the report emphasizes that without proper checks, such interventions can have lasting consequences. As the NHS works to address these issues, the case of WellBN will likely influence policies and practices for gender care in primary clinics across the country. The final report serves as both a critique and a call to action, ensuring that future treatments are not only medically sound but also emotionally supportive for all involved.