Transgender information page

Transgender & Gender Diversity Support

Here at the Lennard Surgery, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive service for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse patients. Patients are welcome to discuss their healthcare needs with any member of the clinical team in confidence.

Name and gender marker changes

Patients can update their name and/or title with the practice at any time.

Changes to an NHS number or gender marker may require additional administrative processing to ensure records are updated correctly across NHS systems. In some cases, this may affect the type or timing of certain screening invitations, which are generated from information held in your medical record.

Support

As your GP practice, we can support your general healthcare needs and provide guidance and referrals for gender-related care. This includes access to NHS Gender Identity Clinics (GICs), which would require a GP appointment to discuss, as well as signposting to mental health and other relevant support services. We can also provide advice on screening programmes such as cervical or prostate screening, depending on your anatomy and clinical needs.

Confidentiality

All patient information is treated in the strictest confidence. Your privacy is very important to us, and we will only share information with other healthcare professionals involved in your care when necessary and with your consent, in line with NHS guidelines.

Our commitment to you

We aim to provide equal access to healthcare for all patients, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or medical history. We will use your chosen name and pronouns wherever possible, and these will be recorded on your medical record to help ensure you are addressed correctly during appointments and correspondence. If anything is incorrect, please let us know so we can update it. You can speak to us at any time by booking a routine GP appointment to discuss any aspect of your care, including gender identity, referrals, or updates to your records.

Accessibility and dignity

We are committed to providing accessible services for all patients. If you have any communication or accessibility needs, please let us know so we can support you appropriately. If you would like a chaperone present during any examination, you are welcome to request this at any time.

We are here for you

We understand that seeking care related to gender identity can feel personal, and we aim to make every interaction as straightforward and supportive as possible. Our team is always happy to listen and help guide you to the right service or next step in your care when needed.

Useful Links

Mental health support

Off the Record Bristol – Free, confidential mental health support for young people aged 11–25, including counselling and wellbeing services. Self-referral available.
Off the Record Bristol
Bristol Mind – Local mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing services for adults, including support for LGBTQ+ people.
Bristol Mind
Changes Bristol – Peer support groups for adults experiencing mental health difficulties. No referral needed.
Changes Bristol

LGBTQ+ support

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – Confidential national helpline providing emotional support for LGBTQ+ people via phone, email, and instant messaging.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
MindLine Trans+ – Confidential listening service offering emotional support specifically for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people.
MindLine Trans+