Information for our Trans (Transgender) Patients

Simply complete a change of name request form and give it to reception. We will ask to see proof of a name change (such as a deed poll or marriage certificate) along with photographic evidence. If you cannot provide this evidence, please call reception to discuss this further.

You can change your title from Mr to Mx, or Miss, Mrs, Ms to Mx without changing your gender.

If you want to change your title from Miss, Mrs, Ms to Mr, or Mr to Miss, Mrs, Ms, you will have to change your gender on your NHS records too.

You can do this at any time by completing a gender change form, and you do not have to have undergone any form of gender reassignment treatment. You must be aware that changing your gender will mean you will be allocated a new NHS number and record, and your pre-existing NHS number will no longer be accessible. Your previous notes will be scanned and added as a document minus any previous identity information.

Unfortunately, the NHS only accepts a male or female gender for registration and for gender change currently. If you wish to choose non-binary or other, we can add an alert to your notes so we, as a practice, know your preferred gender. Without a male or female gender, we cannot register you or change your gender as Primary Care Services England (PCSE) will reject the application. Sadly, this is out of our hands, but this issue has been raised in the UK to get the system changed. When this will happen, we do not know. We do understand your frustrations.

We, as a practice, want to ensure you get called in for your screening opportunities as long as you stay registered with us, but we do need to know your assigned gender at birth to ensure you get called in at the right time. NHS Screening Guidance for Trans Patients further information can be found at Information for trans and non-binary people and at I’m trans or non-binary, does this affect my cancer screening?

A new NHS number can take over 4 weeks to come through to us once we notify PCSE. Once we receive your new NHS number, we will create a new registration for you at the practice within 5 days and will aim to merge your old records to your new records in a timely manner. You should be informed of your new NHS number by PCSE. If you do not receive it, please contact us, and we can give it to you. You may need to inform any hospitals you are under of your new NHS number so they can update your records.

When you change your gender:

1. New Medical Record Creation: Your old record will be closed, and a new record will be created with your updated name and gender.
2. Transferring Medical History: Relevant information from your old record will be transferred as scanned notes into your new record. However, the old record will have identifying details redacted to reflect your updated identity. 

Certain NHS health screenings are automatically offered based on your registered gender. Changing your gender may result in some screenings being missed because the system may not recognize your need for gender-specific tests based on your birth gender.

Examples:

• Cervical Screening: If you were assigned female at birth but are now registered as male, you may no longer be automatically invited for cervical screening (smear tests), which are essential for early detection of cervical cancer. This screening is typically offered every 3 years for individuals aged 25 to 49 and every 5 years for those aged 50 to 64.
• Breast Screening: If you were assigned female at birth and are now registered as male, you may not be automatically invited for mammograms. Routine invitations are sent every 3 years for individuals aged 50 to 71.
• Prostate Health: If you were assigned male at birth but are now registered as female, there is no official NHS prostate screening program. The risk is lower than that of cis gender males however, if you have a prostate, it is important to discuss your individual risk factors with your GP, especially if you are aged 50 or older, black or have a family history of prostate cancer. In some cases, concerns about prostate health may arise earlier. 

To ensure continuity of care and avoid missed screenings, please:

1. Discuss Your Screening Needs: If we are not aware of your gender assigned at birth or you feel you may be missed for important screening, please inform your GP or the surgery, if you feel comfortable doing so, so that appropriate screenings can be manually arranged. If you do not want to have any screening, we would encourage you to discuss this with a GP as well at the surgery.
   • Trans men and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth who are registered as male are encouraged to have cervical screening if they still have a cervix. Cervical screening is offered every 3 years for those aged 25 to 49 and every 5 years for those aged 50 to 64.
   • Trans women and non-binary individuals assigned male at birth who are registered as male and are on long-term hormone therapy are encouraged to have breast screening. Mammograms are typically recommended every 3 years for those aged 50 to 71.
   • Trans women and non-binary individuals assigned male at birth who are registered as female but wish to undergo abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening should contact their GP for a referral. AAA screening is routinely offered at age 65 for those assigned male at birth.
   • Trans men and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth who are registered as female but have had chest reconstruction surgery should consult with their GP or surgeon to determine if breast screening is necessary.
   • Individuals with a prostate should discuss their personal risk factors, such as age and family history, with their GP to determine if prostate-specific tests or monitoring are needed.
2. Stay Involved: While we strive to ensure that you are included in all relevant screenings, we encourage you to actively engage with your GP to confirm your eligibility and participation in the appropriate health checks.
3. Monitor Your Health: Be proactive in monitoring your health and requesting relevant screenings if you do not receive automatic invitations. If you notice symptoms such as unusual lumps, changes in bowel habits, or other abnormalities, contact your GP promptly.
4. Keep Your Clinicians Informed: While your new record will reflect your updated identity, it may not be immediately clear to other clinicians that your gender at birth was different. Sharing this information when necessary can help ensure appropriate care.

We understand that sharing this information may be sensitive. Please be assured that your privacy is of utmost importance to us. All information you provide will be handled with strict confidentiality and used only to provide you with the best possible care.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to discuss your screening needs, please contact our reception team or speak directly with your GP.