Post by Ayla on Feb 28, 2016 15:44:32 GMT 8
Gender Identity Clinic Update February 2016
Increase in referrals
The clinic continues to receive a high volume of referrals for new clients. Over the past 12 months,
referrals have averaged between 60-100 per month. The number of referrals per year has tripled from
two years ago and doubled from last year, reflecting an international trend.
We remain optimistic that the proposed changes and new resources to assist with the lengthy wait list
for referrals for gender affirming surgery in Ontario announced on November 6, 2015 by the Minister of
Health, Dr. Eric Hoskins, will provide some relief to this situation.
Increase in wait time for first appointment
As the growth rate in referrals took off some time ago, our estimates for future wait times, based on
past experience, and did not keep up with the actual referral rates. Unfortunately, a number of our
clients received letters from us indicating an estimated wait time 16-24 months for a first contact with
the clinic. We are struggling to continue to meet these dates, and in October 2015, we changed the
information in our letters to clients at referral to indicate that the wait time for a first appointment is at
least 24 months. We apologize to individuals who may be waiting longer than expected.
Again, we hope that new provincial resources will be forthcoming to assist with these referrals. In the
meantime, staff at the clinic are happy to speak directly to individuals who have questions about the
CAMH Adult Gender Identity Clinic or about wait times. We endeavor to return all calls within three
working days. The clinic administrative staff can be reached 416-535-8501 ext. 36833.
Rate of Approvals for surgery
The clinic continues to try and see as many people as possible with our limited resources. Since we
hired a social worker three years ago and implemented several processes to streamline services we have
been steadily increasing the number of surgery approvals we make to OHIP. Between April 1, 2015 and
March 31, 2016 we will have approved over 220 people for OHIP funding, an increase of over 30% from
the previous year.
Next steps
We regret the current lengthy waiting period, and are concerned about the impact it can have on people
who need these medical services. We continue to ask the provincial government for updates on the
status of the promised additional services. As soon as any announcement is made, the CAMH Adult
Gender Identity Clinic is committed to work closely with community partners, health professionals and
waiting clients to ensure a smooth transition to any new processes. We are very hopeful this will
happen soon.
People currently on the CAMH waiting list are advised to keep their place on the list and their
appointments as scheduled until such time as new service capacity is in place.
We are very aware of the challenges people who are waiting for an appointment experience. If you are
experiencing distress:
• Consider speaking to your primary care practitioner
• Contact your local crisis resources
• The service directory at Rainbow Health is a useful
resource www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/
We will continue to provide information for CAMH clients on this website as more information becomes
available.
Clinic Head and psychiatrist Dr. Christopher McIntosh, our manager Brenda Finlayson, along with the
rest of the clinic staff look forward to meeting and working with you.
www.camh.ca/en/hospital/care_program_and_services/specialty_clinics/Documents/GIC_Clinic_Update-Feb2016.pdf
Increase in referrals
The clinic continues to receive a high volume of referrals for new clients. Over the past 12 months,
referrals have averaged between 60-100 per month. The number of referrals per year has tripled from
two years ago and doubled from last year, reflecting an international trend.
We remain optimistic that the proposed changes and new resources to assist with the lengthy wait list
for referrals for gender affirming surgery in Ontario announced on November 6, 2015 by the Minister of
Health, Dr. Eric Hoskins, will provide some relief to this situation.
Increase in wait time for first appointment
As the growth rate in referrals took off some time ago, our estimates for future wait times, based on
past experience, and did not keep up with the actual referral rates. Unfortunately, a number of our
clients received letters from us indicating an estimated wait time 16-24 months for a first contact with
the clinic. We are struggling to continue to meet these dates, and in October 2015, we changed the
information in our letters to clients at referral to indicate that the wait time for a first appointment is at
least 24 months. We apologize to individuals who may be waiting longer than expected.
Again, we hope that new provincial resources will be forthcoming to assist with these referrals. In the
meantime, staff at the clinic are happy to speak directly to individuals who have questions about the
CAMH Adult Gender Identity Clinic or about wait times. We endeavor to return all calls within three
working days. The clinic administrative staff can be reached 416-535-8501 ext. 36833.
Rate of Approvals for surgery
The clinic continues to try and see as many people as possible with our limited resources. Since we
hired a social worker three years ago and implemented several processes to streamline services we have
been steadily increasing the number of surgery approvals we make to OHIP. Between April 1, 2015 and
March 31, 2016 we will have approved over 220 people for OHIP funding, an increase of over 30% from
the previous year.
Next steps
We regret the current lengthy waiting period, and are concerned about the impact it can have on people
who need these medical services. We continue to ask the provincial government for updates on the
status of the promised additional services. As soon as any announcement is made, the CAMH Adult
Gender Identity Clinic is committed to work closely with community partners, health professionals and
waiting clients to ensure a smooth transition to any new processes. We are very hopeful this will
happen soon.
People currently on the CAMH waiting list are advised to keep their place on the list and their
appointments as scheduled until such time as new service capacity is in place.
We are very aware of the challenges people who are waiting for an appointment experience. If you are
experiencing distress:
• Consider speaking to your primary care practitioner
• Contact your local crisis resources
• The service directory at Rainbow Health is a useful
resource www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/
We will continue to provide information for CAMH clients on this website as more information becomes
available.
Clinic Head and psychiatrist Dr. Christopher McIntosh, our manager Brenda Finlayson, along with the
rest of the clinic staff look forward to meeting and working with you.
www.camh.ca/en/hospital/care_program_and_services/specialty_clinics/Documents/GIC_Clinic_Update-Feb2016.pdf