Information for transgender patients, or for patients wishing to change their name, title or sex on their NHS record.
At The Orchard Medical Centre, we deeply value the dignity and identity of each of our patients. We are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all individuals, recognising the unique experiences and needs of our transgender patients.
Ensuring that we accurately reflect your personal details is a vital part of respecting your identity and providing the best care possible. We are here to support you through this process and ensure that your healthcare experience is as comfortable as possible. The following information will explain in detail what your options are and how to submit these requests. We have worked hard to ensure this process is as stress free and smooth as possible. We value your feedback, and would welcome any further suggestions you may have. You can submit these through email to tomc@nhs.net
Updating Your Personal Details
We understand that your name, title, and gender marker are integral parts of your identity, and we want to ensure that your clinical records accurately reflect who you are. Transgender patients are welcome to request changes to their name, title, and gender marker at any time, without the need to provide proof or a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). Our goal is to make this process as simple and respectful as possible.
Change of Name
This name will be used by staff, on the automated call-in screen, and communications from the Practice (e.g. SMS, letters, email).
Change of Title
You can change your title on your NHS records to any of Mr/Mx/Miss/Mrs/Ms without changing your gender or name.
The NHS computer system is currently binary and the only titles it currently accepts with a male gender marker are Mr or Mx. The only titles the computer system accepts with a female gender marker are Mx/Miss/Mrs/Ms. This computer system and titles available are set nationally and are out of our control. If you wish to choose another title, we can add an alert to your notes, so we as a practice know your gender identity, please discuss further with any staff member.
For name and title changes, patients can easily request updates by visiting our website and completing a form. Once submitted, we will process the changes and update your clinical records within the timeframe outlined on the form. To access the form, click here. If you need a paper copy, we can provide these at reception.
Changing your name will not automatically change the gender marker on your medical record, you need to let us know if you also want this to be changed.
Gender Marker Change
Your gender marker is what defines your Sex within the clinical record. You do not need to have undergone any form of gender affirmation treatment, have been referred to a gender identity clinic or have any official documentation.
The system is currently very binary and only accepts a male or female gender marker on your NHS records. This is a national process 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
When your gender marker is changed, you will be issued with a new NHS number (which is not reversible) and registered at the practice as a ‘new patient’. All previous medical information will also be transferred to this new medical record.
Any information related to your previous gender identity will not be included in your new record. We take steps to ensure privacy by removing any gender-specific terminology, typically by redacting it with a black marker to make it unreadable, before rescanning the information into the new record. This process is in place to protect your confidential information and to ensure that our practice complies with the Gender Recognition Act 2004, which makes disclosing an individual’s trans history unlawful in many situations.
If this is a process suits your individual needs, you can contact us on this form: Contact the practice
What Happens Once My Gender Marker Changes?
Changing your gender marker may impact invites sent to you for certain medical screening tests that are important for your health. Throughout your life, the NHS will invite you to various screenings for common conditions. Since the prevalence of these conditions varies between men and women, some tests are only offered to individuals with a “female” gender marker on their NHS record, while others are reserved for those with a “male” gender marker. As a result, individuals who change their gender marker may be invited to screenings that don’t align with their current health needs.
When you update your gender marker, it’s important to remember that you might not receive reminders for the screenings that are relevant to you. In such cases, you may need to proactively request the necessary tests.
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.
Screening
Trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth who are registered with a GP as female:
- Are invited for breast screening
- Are invited for bowel cancer screening
- Do not need cervical screening as they do not have a cervix
- Are not routinely invited for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening, but can request screening
Trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth who are registered with a GP as male:
- Are not routinely invited for breast screening, but can request screening
- Are invited for bowel cancer screening
- Are not routinely invited for cervical screening as they do not have a cervix
- Are invited for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
Trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth who are registered with a GP as female:
- Are invited for breast screening
- Are invited for bowel cancer screening
- Are invited for cervical screening
- Are not invited for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
Trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth who are registered with a GP as male:
- Are not routinely invited for breast screening, but can request screening
- Are invited for bowel cancer screening
- Are not routinely invited for cervical screening, but can request screening
- Are invited for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening, but do not have a high risk of AAA
We welcome you to have your cervical screening at the GP surgery by highly trained staff. If you have any concerns or there is anything we are able to do to support this, then 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.
You can also contact a specialist NHS clinic to have your cervical screening performed there (nearest is London). Please see some options below
My Body Back Project – Rape and sexual assault support in London
cliniQ @ King’s South London – cliniQ
If you need reminders for any screening tests that are impacted by your gender marker change, please don’t hesitate to discuss this with us. We will be happy to assist by adding diary entries to your record, ensuring we can send you the appropriate reminders when needed.