Nova Scotians seeking gender affirming surgery can expect reduced wait times and barriers.
As of today, surgery applications do not require a letter of support from a Nova Scotia specialist or a letter from a specialist confirming post operative care if the surgery was in the province.
The goal of eliminating these two letters is to reduce wait times as it can take time to see a specialist.
A letter from a nurse practitioner or physician confirming post operative care is still required if the surgery is outside the province.
Patients still need to submit a psychosocial assessment letter with their surgery applications.
Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson says the province was informed that the application process for gender affirming surgery created needless hardship and painful delays for those in need of care.
The Provincial Government will continue to work with transgender and gender diverse people by listening to their needs and offering more supports quickly.
