I thought it might be interesting to compile a list of GI Units across the UK so that anybody deciding that they need the services of one of these units can see which is nearest/better suited to their needs.
Please include the name of the Unit, the name of the hospital, the name of the pyschiatrist/physician who is treating you (plus what you think of him/her regarding how you are treated), do they do your SRS within that hospital (and the name of the surgeon if you know it), how soon you were prescribed hormones and any other details you might find helpful to anybody contemplating going the whole way.
I would kick off, but I last went to Charing Cross in the late 70's so I'm a little out of the loop these days.
Thank you
Hi Girlies
I'm using the NHS for my transition, I'm at Nottingham Gender Clinic and in my case its been a positive experience. Obviously I cant speak for anyone else but I have found the staff to be quite fair and consistent with how they follow the current guidelines, (whatever they're called at the moment).
However, from speaking to others at the same clinic I can detect differences in how rigidly or flexibly their clinicians have applied the "rules" and the more I get to know certain individuals I think I have to say I would probably have made the same decisions had I been the psychiatrist.
There is a perception among our community that the clinicians are gatekeepers either granting or denying access to the services we require. Strictly speaking that's true but their remit is to make sure the services we obtain are in our best interest.
Arguably a downside of NGC, is that its only a building full of psychiatrists with most other services subcontracted out although I think they now have a visiting endocrinologist at least.
They appear to have a process of three meetings two months apart, the first two are carried out by seperate psychiatrists and the third by both of them together. At this third you will bring along one or two people from your life and just sit and chat about whatever. Following this third meeting they then decide whether to accept you onto the conveyor belt or not.
All being well hormones should follow three to six months after that.
I imagine almost all patients are constrained by their PCT regarding which clinic they go to, but if anyone is free to choose I cant think of any reason not to choose NGC if its within a reasonable travelling distance.
There was one limitation of NGC but its history now, it was the Surgeon they were bound to refer you to in the first instance, he was aka "the butcher" enough said.
As I write negotiations are ongoing between NGC and the two remaining NHS SRS surgeons Mr Bellringer and Mr Thomes so I guess its full speed ahead.
I see my psychiatrist Nick Mepham for what he says is the last time in January 2012 and then I see another for my second opinion shortly after that and then its off to the surgeon all being well, fingers crossed for that.
Wish me luck
Layla
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Gender Equality Act 2010 says no need for medicla supervision for transition.. just go tell GP you want to change and want hormones and endo test please.
Rose, I have searched in vain the Gender Equality Act but I cannot see anywhere where it stipulates that a trans person can go to their GP and demand hormones. Sorry, but I am a little confused here so if you could point out the relevant clause within the act, I would be very grateful. Thanks Carol
Couldn't agree more with you Lucy. Charing Cross was the same when I went there in the mid to late 70's. Many people there were exceedingly bitter about John Randell, but I always got on well with him - partly I expect because i was doing what they asked of me - i.e. living and working full time in my acquired gender role and happy and content in that role.
Carol xx
Theres a bit more to it than just ticking a list of boxes, the point of the RLE period is to establish that you are truly settled into your so called "new gender role". Its not as simple as whether you did the time or had a job.
With the exception of playing at it on the tills of BHS I havent had a job since 1996 and have absolutely no intention of ever getting one.
NGC placed no requirement for that on me yet I know others at that clinic whos progress is stalled by exactly that obstacle.
They interpreted my preference to remain on the fringes of the system as a positive thing, they see me as someone independent enough to stand on my own feet without the security of a regular job.
"without a safety net" is how they put it.
Hi
Just wondering if there are any updated thoughts on UK Gender clinics?
Any recent development in regulations?
Good clinics to attend? Midlands, London, Manchetser areas?
Sorry I can't really help you there Louisa as I finished in 1979 after my SRS
However, The Laurels in Exeter is said to have a good reputation, but that is not in your area