Queensland Health launches investigations into paediatric gender services

Queensland Health has launched investigations into paediatric gender health services provided at the Cairns Sexual Health Service (CSHS).

Health Minister Tim Nicholls also announced an immediate pause on new patients under 18 accessing hormone therapies, including puberty blockers, in the state's public health system, pending the outcome of the inquiry.

A preliminary review of CSHS identified several alarming issues, including:

- Unauthorized delivery of paediatric gender services without an agreed model of care

- Deficiencies in credentialing and scope of practice

- Medicolegal concerns regarding patient and parental consent

- Inconsistent documentation of multidisciplinary team discussions

- Potential misalignment with Australian treatment guidelines

In response, the government has commissioned a clinical review and a health service investigation.

The findings from these investigations, due by June 30, 2025, will inform the assessment of paediatric gender services across Queensland.