Sex change operations end

Many transsexuals are not accepted until after surgery

Medical treatment for transsexuals is under threat because of the retirement of a specialist psychiatrist at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Newcastle Primary Care Trust is unable to find extra funding to cover for some of the work carried out by Dr Desmond Dunlevy who has now retired.

Now those who have already started surgery will have it continued, but no new patients will be taken on.

Transsexual Andrea Marshall is half way through treatment, and said: "It will have a devastating effect.

'Corrective surgery'

"Although I am living full-time as a woman I will not be accepted in society until I have had corrective surgery.

"The funding was there for the consultant to carry on for another year for two days a week.

"Suddenly it has all fallen through, been taken away."

'Collective decision'

Dr Dunlevy had intended to work two days a week into his retirement.

Bob Smith, chief executive of the Newcastle Primary Care Trust, for whom Dr Dunlevy worked, said they were unable to find extra funding to cover some of his specialised work.

Mr Smith said: "The decisions have not just been taken by the Newcastle Primary Care Trust, but have been taken collectively by a number of primary care organisations."