Filipino migrant ‘acquired intercourse change therapies on the NHS earlier than they had been granted proper to remain within the UK’
A Filipino migrant has reportedly ‘received a sex change’ on the NHS before being granted their right to stay in the UK.
According to documents seen by the Sun the individual arrived in the UK several years ago as a man before undergoing gender reassignment surgery last year.
The procedure, which would have cost the NHS tens of thousands of pounds, was completed before the Home Office approved their right to remain in the UK.
It is believed that the Filipina received free consultations and care from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London but had the operation at the private Nuffield Health Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon through an NHS partnership.
The patient then shared a picture of themselves online post-operation alongside their new name as a woman.
Their pronouns were also changed on formal Home Office immigration papers from ‘Mr’ to ‘Miss’.
Adults diagnosed with gender dysphoria can get surgery on the NHS if they have lived as their preferred gender for at least a year.
A Filipino migrant has reportedly ‘received a sex change’ on the NHS before being granted their right to stay in the UK
It is believed that the Filipina received free consultations and care from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London
There is no suggestion that the individual has done anything wrong, as they may have been able to receive treatment through a visa.
Dr Renee Hoenderkamp, a GP, responded: ‘This shouldn’t be happening on the NHS.
‘I have patients waiting for hip replacements, knee surgery – procedures they need to work and to get on with their lives.’
An NHS spokesman said: ‘Only those lawfully living in England can access NHS care – in line with Government guidance – and this is checked before care is provided.’
It comes as thousands of patients face having their routine operations delayed by the NHS as it tries to save money.
Regional NHS boards have been forced to cancel or delay procedures in order to stay within annual budgets set by NHS England.
Estimates suggest that up to 140,000 patients could have their course of treatment altered in the cost-cutting drive by the end of March this year.
Some of the planned surgeries have been delayed until the start of the new financial year, when the budgets reset.
Surgeons have warned that operating theatres will go unused while there are people awaiting operations.
Health secretary Wes Streeting has made reducing the NHS waiting list, which currently sits at 7.39 million treatments, one of the Government’s top priorities.
But that effort is being hampered by the pressure on regional operators, known as integrated care boards (ICBs), across England, with many wrestling significant budget deficits.
