
Tel: 02074875244
Out of Hours: 111
​

Trans Health
​
​At Cavendish Health Centre we are passionate about supporting all patients and want patients identifying as Trans or Non binary to feel well cared for. When you join the practice you will be invited to an optional appointment with our lead GP in LGBTQ+/ Trans health care, Dr Jo Lovett (she/her), to explore how we can help your current health needs and make sure your record is up to date. We are aware that the wait for specialist gender affirming care is very long and we want to support you as best as we can. We have compiled some useful information which you might find beneficial but if you have any other queries, concerns or feedback about how we can best support you please do let us know.
​
Registration
We are aware that both our online and paper registration forms are limited with the questions that are asked and it may be difficult to provide your gender identity. These are mandatory standard forms that we are required to use, however we are keen to know further information so we would like to know the following:
Which of the following best describes the gender you think of yourself:
Male (incl trans)
Female (incl trans)
Non binary
Other
Is your gender identity the same as you were given at birth?
Yes/No
Please let us know by filling in a PATCHS message or speaking to a member of our team.
Changing Name
To change your name please send a PATCHS message with the request for the attention of our Assistant Practice Manager and Practice Manager. You will likely be then contacted by them to discuss and make the relevant changes. We may also offer you an appointment with one of the doctors to discuss your overall care.
​
Changing Gender Marker on NHS Records
At present patients gender marker on your NHS record can be Male, Female or Indeterminate. Patients may request to change gender on their patient record at any time and do not need to have undergone any form of gender reassignment treatment in order to do so. If you would like to change your gender marker on your records please discuss with recpetion who will outline the process. It is important to be aware of the following if you are considering changing your gender marker
-
When a patient changes gender, they are given a new NHS number and must be registered as a new patient at practice. This is not reversible and if a patient decides they want to change their gender marker back they would need to go through the process again to get a third NHS number.
-
All previous medical information relating to the patient needs to be transferred into a newly created medical record. This will likely involve a discussion about what information is shared to avoid important medical information being lost
​
Referral to NHS Gender Identity Clinics
We would advise that all patients who are seeking gender affirming care are referred to an NHS specialist and we are happy to support referrals. Patients must be given a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria in order to be eligible for NHS treatment. You can find a list of NHS clinics by clicking here
​
We are aware that the waiting times for NHS Gender Identity Clinics are currently very long and wish to support you as best as we can whilst you wait. Some patients may decide to seek private care if this is available to them. Please do let us know if you are currently with a private clinic and share our information so that we can be keep updated with your care.
​
Prescriptions
For patients who have been seen by an NHS Gender Identity Clinic and have been established on medications, the GIC clinic will often contact the practice to ask us to enter a Shared Care Agreement to take over the prescribing. This is necessary so that we know the ongoing plan for treatment and monitoring. If you are taking medication from elsewhere we would encourage you to discuss this with us so that we are aware of what you are taking which is important for your overall care.
​
Important Screening Information
At present, the current national cancer screening invitations are based on the gender on your NHS record alone. This can mean that you are not invited to screening tests that you are eligible for and conversley may be invited for tests which are not applicable – you can see which tests you would be eligible for below.
For patients that require cervical screening but are not automatically invited from the cervical screening programme you may receive an invitation from the practice to prompt you to book in. If you would like to discuss this further you can book in a routine GP or nurse appointment,
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
-
do not need cervical screening as they do not have a cervix
-
are invited for 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 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 AAA screening but do not have a high risk of AAA
​
​
There is more information here -
​
​
Useful Resources
-
Sexual Health and alternative Cervical Screening - 56 T is run by 56 Dean Street https://www.dean.st/trans-non-binary-2/
-
Support with domestic violence, hate crime and sexual violence https://galop.org.uk/
-
Housing issues https://stonewallhousing.org/
-
General charity support https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/
-
Young people up to 20yrs https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/
-
General advice and support https://lgbt.foundation/
-
Support groups https://www.transunite.co.uk/ - 24/7 crisis support across the UK. Text SHOUT to 85258 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support.
-
Samaritans - 24/7 - call 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/
-
Hub of hope – mental health service database showing local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support https://hubofhope.co.uk/
-
Spectra - social groups, 121 support, advocacy, counselling and workshops https://spectra-london.org.uk/trans-services/
-
MindOut – mental health service for LGBTQ+ online support chat - https://mindout.org.uk/
-
Pink therapy – directory of qualified LGBTQ+ friendly therapists https://pinktherapy.com/find-a-therapist/
-
Switchboard LGBTQ+ helpline – 365days 10am-10pm 0800 0119 100 https://switchboard.lgbt/
​