We would like to make our patients aware of a service known as ‘Gender GP’.
Gender GP are offering a range of healthcare services aimed at the trans population, however, they are not based in the UK.
Gender GP moved outside of the UK in April 2019 and therefore they are not required to be registered with UK regulators such as the CQC.
Unfortunately, we have received a small number of letters relating to patients who have engaged their services. All letters generated by the company have not been issued by a GMC registered doctor and therefore, in line with NHS England guidance our practice will decline to accept responsibility for prescribing, monitoring and testing as we have no assurance that the provider offers a safe service, or it is not assured that the request has been made by an appropriate gender specialist.
Our stance has been supported by the Sussex ICB.
We wanted to publish our policy in relation to Gender GP as we are very aware of the fees which can be charged. We do not want any patient to engage with the company under the false pretence that we will prescribe based on their recommendations.
As a surgery we actively support all patients who are seeking guidance and recognise that our trans patients may have specific health needs in relation to gender dysphoria.
Your particular needs may be best addressed by transgender health services offered by NHS gender dysphoria clinics (GDCs).
All NHS GDCs are commissioned by NHS England, who set the service specifications for how they work.
Our GP’s can refer you directly to one of the GDCs. You do not need an assessment by a mental health service first. Neither does the GP need prior approval from their integrated care board (ICB).
Website
www.gic.nhs.uk