The challenge of a dignified and good treatment offer for trans people has existed for a long time, believes Inge Alexander Gjestvang, head of the association FRI. After Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad lost her authorization as a doctor, the situation has worsened. – We are in constant dialogue with the patient group, who are now very distraught, says Gjestvang. A lack of healthcare services for trans people is the reason why politicians in Bergen now want to buy one doctor off. One day a week, the doctor will only work with trans people. – We don’t have a special health offer for this group today, so we want to do something about it and give them an upgraded offer, says Eduardo Andersen, inclusion councilor in Bergen. The position will now be advertised. In addition, they will further train two public health nurses. Inclusion council in Bergen Eduardo Andersen (Ap). Photo: Jon Bolstad / news But an arrangement where one doctor in one position is bought out is a vulnerable solution, Gjestvang believes. Nevertheless, he praises the initiative and is very happy that the politicians are taking responsibility. – It seems that there is political will to assist in rescuing an acute situation that has arisen, he says. Therefore, Benestad had its license revoked. The Norwegian Health Authority believes that Benestad has not followed the guidelines for how to prescribe addictive drugs in a responsible manner. They write that in a 42-page decision. – And in our assessment, he has not provided for an investigation of the person with gender dysphoria in a proper way, says assistant director of the National Health Inspectorate Heidi Merete Rudi. It was last autumn that the Norwegian Health Authority started an investigation into Benestad. The background was messages of concern that were sent to the State Administrator in Agder. According to TV 2, the reports of concern come from GPs. Among other things, Benestad allegedly failed to refer patients with gender incongruence to the National Hospital, which has the national responsibility for investigation and treatment. This is not something Benestad has denied. The doctor sought out “trans” Karoline Skarstein from Bergen, now lives in Stavanger and is head of FRI Rogaland. Politicians in Stavanger are also working for an expanded health service for transgender people. When Skarstein looks back on her teenage years, she sees years filled with doubt and uncertainty about her own gender identity. When she went to her GP at the age of 24, it was an unpleasant encounter. – I could see that the doctor had to look up the term “trans” while I was sitting there to get help, she says. Skarstein looks to the youth health center for a solution that can improve the situation for queer people. Photo: Kaja Nielsen Våga / news Rogaland In 2020, there was a national professional guideline on gender incongruence. It says that the offer should be decentralized. But only Helse Sør-East has established regional centres. In most regions, people are still waiting. The different regions have different plans for what they want to offer. So where you live can affect which offer you get. In most places, today’s offer is the same as Skarstein experienced in 2016: You have to see your GP. – There are many GPs who feel that they do not have the competence to accept this. She believes the changes in Bergen and Stavanger can also be good for professionals. – It is clear that it is important that they have enough trans people to enable them to develop their skills. The fact that the regional centers have been left waiting is also part of the reason why the politicians want the municipality to take greater responsibility. – We have been waiting for many years for the development of regional treatment services. We see that it has gone very slowly, unfortunately, says city council representative Kathrine Nødtvedt (MDG) in Bergen. Katrine Nødtvedt (MDG) also points out that the centers will not have the function many hoped for. Photo: Linnea Skare Oskarsen Doll, talk and wig Skarstein has long called for more expertise in sexology and gender incongruence among healthcare personnel. An adopted proposal from SV includes further training for staff at the health center and a low-threshold consultation service for queer young people. Stavanger and Bergen are not the first municipalities to set up low-threshold services. In Oslo, there is a health center for gender and sexuality (HKS). Trondheim also has a similar offer. FRI leader Gjestvang is happy about the local initiatives, but points out that where you live can be of great importance. – We need central health authorities and a health directorate that is clearer about how health care should be, and that you move away from talking about professional disagreement and local autonomy, says Gjestvang. And although the professional guidelines came almost three years ago, in 2020, he does not think much has happened. You still have to go to Rikshospitalet in Oslo to receive gender confirmation treatment. Gjestvang points out that the simplest treatment can be given locally. Wants speed Skarstein hopes there won’t be too much of a wait before an offer is in place. – We have seen especially recently after Benestad lost its authorisation. Hundreds of trans people are now without help. Then the problem arises: You are sent to your own GP, who may not have the expertise. In Stavanger, they will have the offer included in the budget by autumn at the latest. In Bergen, the politicians are aiming to get the offer in place by the summer. In both places, the initiatives are intended as a “first step” on the road. The politicians have not yet agreed on which offer they will end up with. Skarstein hopes there won’t be too much of a wait before an offer is in place. Photo: Kaja Nielsen Våga
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Creates offers for trans people in Bergen and Stavanger. In Bergen, trans people get their own doctor – news Vestland
