The High Court has ordered the General Medical Council to close its case against our founder Dr. Helen Webberley in a huge win for GenderGP and Gender Affirming Healthcare.
In a landmark ruling on International Transgender Day of Visibility, the High Court has ordered the General Medical Council (GMC) to close its case against GenderGP founder Dr. Helen Webberley. The decision brings an end to years of investigation and professional disruption against Dr. Webberley, and is a huge victory for her, GenderGP, and the cause of Gender Affirming Healthcare.
Click here for Dr. Helen Webberley’s Statement
The case was initiated following complaints by a small number of NHS doctors who disagreed with Dr. Webberley’s gender-affirming approach to trans healthcare. However, after exhaustive examination by the UK Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), the tribunal found her model of care to be “at the vanguard of this evolving approach to transgender care” and “right and fit for purpose”.
The tribunal found, at the time, only one matter to advance against Dr. Webberley, which has now been overturned by the High Court. "The MPT's [sic] thinking was confused, clearly wrong in places, and it omitted reference to important evidence," presiding High Court Justice Jay said of the tribunal’s actions against Dr. Webberley in his judgement. "Overall, I do consider that it would be disproportionate, if not oppressive, to put the Appellant through further significant delays and another hearing."
GenderGP's model of care is based on providing care that is suited to the needs of trans people, without imposing outdated and harmful gender stereotypes, and is consistent with established clinical standards. The approach has been vetted throughout the investigation period and has been found to deliver expert, high-quality care to those who most need it.
What does this ruling mean for Gender Affirming Healthcare? What does it mean for me? Click here to learn more!
Dr. Webberley’s victory will finally allow her to return to work as a doctor, and she and GenderGP are optimistic that this positive outcome and the endorsement of GenderGP’s model of care will advance the cause of gender-affirming healthcare in the UK, Europe, and beyond.
Dr. Webberley expressed her optimism for the future of trans healthcare, stating, “If I, as just one GP, can do this then we can raise the bar for Gender-affirming Healthcare around the world. Other doctors can deliver life-affirming and life-saving care to their patients too. If you want to better understand how to support your trans patients, GenderGP is here to share our knowledge and to help.”
The decision is a fitting tribute to International Transgender Day of Visibility, which celebrates transgender people and raises awareness of the discrimination that the community faces. Discrimination against the transgender community takes many forms, including the failure of public health services to provide safe and timely trans healthcare.
In conclusion, the High Court's ruling in favour of Dr. Webberley and GenderGP's model of care is a significant victory for the transgender community, as it upholds the rights of trans individuals to access high-quality healthcare that is tailored to their specific needs. This ruling could set a precedent for the future of gender-affirming healthcare in the UK and worldwide.