Please be aware that changing a patient’s name will not change the gender marker on their medical records. Your title will change but your record will still state the gender given upon registration.
You can request to change gender on your record at any time and do not need to have undergone any form of gender reassignment treatment in order to do so. When a patient changes gender, the current process on NHS systems requires a new NHS number and to be registered as a new patient. If you currently have an Online Services account, you’ll need to re-register once you have your new NHS number and patient record.
All previous medical information relating to the patient will be transferred into a newly created medical record. The practice will notify the PCSE (Primary Care Support England) and we must make you aware of the possible time scales and implications of changing the gender marker (e.g. changes to recalls for cancer screening services, please see the NHS website for details, below is an example of recall information that may be useful).
Cervical screening tests
Trans men and non-binary people who have had a total hysterectomy to remove their cervix do not need cervical screening. Trans men and non-binary people who still have a cervix should have cervical screening to help prevent cervical cancer.
When trans men and non-binary people with a cervix will be invited for cervical screening
If you’re a trans man, or non-binary and assigned female at birth, and you’re registered with your GP as female, you’ll receive invitations for cervical screening:
· every 3 years at ages 25 to 49
· every 5 years at ages 50 to 64 If you’re a trans man registered with a GP as male, you will not receive automatic invitations.
You can still have cervical screening. You’ll need to ask your GP practice for an appointment.
If you’re a trans woman or non-binary person assigned male at birth, you do not need cervical screening as you do not have a cervix.
How to stop being invited for cervical screening
Contact your GP to ask to be taken off their cervical screening list if:
· you no longer have a cervix, but still receive invitations to screening
· you still have a cervix, but you do not want to be invited for screening
Further information is available on the NHS website regarding other recall services.
Timescale for receiving new NHS number/record
Due to NHS backlogs and increased workload, we aim to have your new record and new NHS number in place between 4-6 weeks from the date we receive your intention to change gender, but due to increased demand this can take longer. You will be contacted when the record change is complete and informed of your new NHS number.
Important information regarding ongoing referrals
If you have any outstanding referrals or are on any waiting lists, changing your gender and receiving a new NHS number/record should not affect your place on these lists, but patients are advised to contact any clinic or hospital they have ongoing care with to ensure they have your new NHS number and record on their system to ensure continuity of care.