Information for Transgender Patients
Information for transgender patients - Or those wishing to change their name, title and / or gender on their NHS records. We are proud to have you as our patient.
We support all patient groups and are committed to accessibility and inclusion but we also know we may not always get things right. If there is anything you think we can improve or change to make accessing our services easier for you, please email bnssg.pmg@nhs.net
The aim of this information is to inform you of the process, discuss how your medical information is stored and the important screening tests you need. We hope that it is helpful.
Confidentiality
We hold your medical records in the strictest confidence, regardless of whether they are electronic or paper. We take all reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorised access to your records. Access to medical records is audited. Your NHS records are only shared with our practice team and other organisations directly involved in your care that have a genuine need for it e.g. community health services, hospitals, mental health services, social care, NHS 111. We will not share your information with any other third party without your permission unless it is an exceptional situation (e.g. life or death situation) or where the law tells us to.
For more information on how your data is shared and stored by the NHS, including opting out of sharing data, please see here
Processes
How long will the process take?
A new NHS number can take over 4 weeks to come through to us. 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 (excluding any information related to your previous identity) in a timely manner to ensure minimal disruption to your care.
We suggest you order 2 months supply of your medication beforehand.
You should be informed of your new NHS number by PCSE. If you do not receive this, please contact us and we can give it to you. You may need to inform any hospitals you are under (e.g. waiting for an appointment, surgery or treatment) of your new NHS number so they can update your records.
Cancer screening tests
Unfortunately, currently national cancer screening test invitations are sent out based on the gender marker on your NHS records. This system is currently very binary and only accepts a male or female gender marker on NHS medical notes. This is a national decision and out of our control. If you wish to choose non-binary or another gender identity, we can add an alert to your notes, so we as a practice know your gender identity, please discuss with a GP (see below).
Importantly, patients who have changed their gender marker on their NHS records may not be invited to some of these cancer screenings, meaning there is a risk of missing cancer. Please see NHS screening Guidance for Trans Patients for more information. Please discuss with your named GP to discuss this further.
Cervical cancer screening in trans men and non-binary people with a cervix
We welcome you to have your cervical screening at the GP surgery by highly trained staff. Please book a telephone appointment with a GP or nurse who performs cervical screening to discuss this.
Please see this NHS video on cervical screening in trans men here.
We can also offer adaptions such as:
- An appointment at the beginning or end of the clinic
- Bring a friend/partner, bring your own blanket to cover the lower half of your body
- Choose to have the door locked or unlocked
- Chaperone in the room
- Bring a phone/tablet and headphones to play music or watch a video
- Different sizes of medical equipment - you can take one home with you to practice with beforehand if this is helpful
- At your appointment, other people in the waiting room will be waiting for a range of different appointments and will not be aware you are there for cervical screening
- Medication and lubricant to make the procedure more comfortable
You can also contact a specialist NHS clinic to have your cervical screening performed there (nearest is London). Please see some options below: