At Ryeland Surgery, we support everyone regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, ableism and disability.
Information for Trans Patients
Or those wishing to change their name, title and / or gender
Did you know?
Changing your name – simply complete a change of name request form and give it to reception. Please provide the Change of Name Deed if you have one.
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. We will offer you an appointment to discuss the changes and what this means for your NHS record.
*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. 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 and at Cancer Research UK
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. (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 this, 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.
Are you up-to-date with your HPV vaccinations?
If you were assigned female at birth, you may have received your HPV vaccinations at school, if you were based in the UK. If you never completed the course, or would like to receive the free HPV vaccination for the first time (under 25 years old only) – please book an appointment with one of our practice nurses.
If you are a man who has sex with men, you can receive a HPV vaccination course at a sexual health clinic.
If you are in crisis and need help, please call 999 or call Samaritans on 116 123 for free.
LGBT Foundation
LGBT foundation was established in 1975 and exists to support the needs of the diverse range of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans. They believe in a fair and equal society where all LGBT people can achieve their full potential. #EqualityWins underpins much of what they do and they aim to be; ‘here if you need us.’
If you aren’t completely sure where the best place to go is, LGBT Foundation helpline is always a good first port of call as they can offer further signposting and detailed initial support and advice. Contact details can be located from their website.
Help and Support
- Starting Well Worcestershire – LGBTQ+ Support Groups and Services
- Sexual Health Services 4 Herefordshire – We provide free and confidential sexual health services from our easily accessible clinic. This includes information and advice on all types of contraception and STI testing and treatment. Our service is confidential, non-judgmental and for people of all ages, genders and orientations.
- Switchboard – Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey. We can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling. This is your space – to explore, talk and be truly heard.
- GI (Gendered Intelligence) work with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives; they particularly specialise in supporting young trans people under the age of 21. GI deliver trans youth programmes, resources, support for parents and carers, and educational workshops for schools, colleges, universities and other educational settings. GI also have a youth group specifically for black and minority ethnic young people who are trans or questioning their gender.
- Mermaids focus on supporting and informing gender diverse children and young people, and their families, Mermaids have a particular focus on younger children who may be questioning their gender or who identify as trans.
- Purple Rain Collective community building organisation for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic LGBTQ people & QTIPOC
- Op Sterling – Age UK LGBT+ Older Veterans Support. Working in partnership with Fighting With Pride, Age UK is delivering the Operation Sterling programme to help older LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families.