Trinity College Dublin Students Union (TCDSU) have declared a win for trans healthcare via the College Health service, according to a post made on Friday by TCDSU. The union said that blood tests are available by personal request through College Health, calling the move a reaffirmation of support for trans students.
When asked whether students can request blood tests from College Health personally or through their personal GP, College Health Director David McGrath said “yes,” according to correspondence between TCDSU and McGrath seen by The University Times. For trans students, regular blood testing is essential to confirm dosage levels of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) are correct and that critical complications do not occur along with the use of HRT.
TCDSU shared images of correspondence between TCDSU President Jenny Maguire and McGrath in which Maguire asked “Do you provide blood tests to students on request by their personal GP?” and “Do you provide blood test [sic] to students through the College GP/ health centre service by personal request?” McGrath responded “yes” to both questions, but the doctor did not mention whether trans people seeking healthcare in the College would be provided with any additional services that are not already offered by other GPs.
Additionally, Maguire asked “Do you provide HRT/hormonal contraception to students? And do you follow up with blood tests, or accept blood tests by request of the students, if they are on hormonal medication as such?” “Do you administer intramuscular and/or subcutaneous injections?” and “Is there a policy or preventatives in place against trans students receiving health care in your practice/the campus Student Health Centre?” McGrath responded “yes”, yes” and “no” to those three questions respectively. However, McGrath did not say that College Health would provide any additional or new services for transgender people, nor did he claim that College Health has changed its policy for transgender students.
A College spokesperson issued a statement following TCDSU’s announcement on X, saying “The wellbeing of our community is paramount. The College Health service continues to treat students and staff according to the guidelines of the Medical Council. Treatment policies remain unchanged.”
While McGrath did not elaborate on any questions beyond a “yes” or “no” answer, TCDSU says the confirmation “ends the previously shameful practice of denying transgender people harm reduction support through blood tests when DIYing their HRT.” However, Dr. McGrath did not confirm in his correspondence with TCDSU whether trans people would have increased access to HRT treatments or blood test work through college health services.
It was not made immediately clear by TCDSU or College Health how many trans students are currently treated through College Health, or whether the HRT, intramuscular treatments or blood tests will be performed by College Health specifically for the purpose of gender affirming care.
