At Abridge Surgery we strive to provide a supportive and safe environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) patients. We believe in fairness, equality, and above all value diversity.
While most health issues affecting LGBT+ individuals are similar to those of the general population, we know that LGBT+ people have unique health need and experience disparities in care.
LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities. Visit lgbt.foundation for more information.
We are also happy for you to discuss your clinical concerns with one of our team.
Did you know?
Changing your name - 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-pole or marriage certificate) along with photographic evidence. If you can not provide this evidence, please arrange a telephone call with a doctor to discuss this further.
Changing your title - 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.
Changing your gender - 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 your pre-existing NHS number will no longer be accessible or be reversible. Your previous notes will be merged to your new notes, minus any previous identity information.
*unfortunately the NHS only accepts a male / 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 PCSE will reject the application. Sadly, this is out of our hands, but we and others across the UK have raised this issue to get the system changed, when will this be, we do not know. We do understand your frustrations.
We as a practice will 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 (PDF, 2.54MB) further information can be found GOV.UK and at Cancer Research UK
A new NHS number can take approximately 6 months to come through to us (this time duration is because of PCSE and not the practice), once we notify PCSE which we will do within 4 weeks of receiving your request. 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. (If you have any concerns with this, please contact the practice and speak to a doctor). You should be informed of your new NHS number by PCSE. If you do not receive, 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.
For more information please visit LGBT Foundation - Home