FAQs
What can I expect from my first appointment?
Your first appointment will normally last about an hour and is about information gathering and asking questions. We will want to ask you about what interests you in our service, your history, your expectations, about you as a person, thoughts of your family and friends, and to gain a sense of what your gender means to you. We will help you learn more about our service and agree a way forward with you that matches your expectations.
For some more information please see the ‘Appointments and what to expect page’
When can I expect my first appointment?
Please see the ‘Chalmers Gender Identity Clinic Data’ page. This is updated monthly with the last information regarding waiting times.
Who will I see at the Gender Identity Clinic?
You may see any of our clinical staff during your treatment at the clinic. Our team currently comprises of:
Psychiatry, Sexual and Reproductive Health Consultants, Endocrinology Consultants, General Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Clinical Support Workers & Speak and Language Therapy.
We are supported by our administrative team.
Are pre-existing mental health conditions a barrier to receiving treatment?
No, although we would ask that a serious mental health issue that could hinder the transition process is addressed first.
How do I access the service?
We ask you to do this through your GP. If this causes difficulties, please contact us and we can discuss this with you.
For more information, please see the ‘Accessing the clinic (referrals)’ page
How often would I be seen at the clinic?
We treat everyone on an individual basis so this varies. Follow up appointments are normally every 3 – 6 month in the first year. Following this, you will be seen annually for a hormone review if you are on masculinising hormones and two-yearly if you are on feminising hormones.
How quickly can I start hormones?
As we treat everyone individually, this would form part of your agreed treatment plan at your first appointment and we encourage you to discuss this with us then. In general hormone treatment is started within 6 months of the first appointment.
Our clinic follows the national gender reassignment protocol guidelines for Scotland.
Do I take hormones for the rest of my life?
Generally, yes. Starting hormones is an individual decision and lifelong. Once your treatment at the clinic is completed, your GP will continue to prescribe your hormones and arrange your follow up monitoring.
Occasionally people consider stopping hormones and this should always be discussed first with your GP or the clinic if you are still receiving treatment from us.
Do people identifying as non binary have to take hormones before surgery?
People identifying as non binary and accessing surgery generally do choose to start hormones, however every case is considered individually and non binary patients would not be required to do so. We have confirmed with our surgical teams that decisions will be taken on a case by case basis, and in all cases will require a supportive assessment from our clinic and the agreement of the appropriate surgeon.
What are the health requirements for surgery?
Health requirements for surgery vary by surgery, due to this the specifics of requirements can be discussed with the clinical team at your appointment.
Where does gender reassignment surgery take place?
Surgery is conducted in a variety of specialist centres in England.
Can I have my travel expenses reimbursed?
Your health board can support you with travel expenses associated with gender reassignment surgery. Please contact the clinic to discuss this before you travel.
If you are receiving certain benefits you may be entitled to help with your travel expenses to the clinic in Edinburgh. Please contact us for more details.
How can I get access to medical garments and prosthetics?
Unfortunately we are unable to supply items such as packers and binders through the NHS.
LGBT Health & Wellbeing currently have examples of packers and binders that you can view at their Edinburgh offices by arrangement.
How do I access Speech and Language Therapy?
We can refer you to the Speech and Language Therapy Service in your local area.
We are exploring the possibility of a speech and language group for patients at Chalmers. Please mention this to us if you are interested.
Is speech and language therapy available to everyone?
Yes. The service is person centred and accepts anyone who wishes to change their voice.
What psychological and emotional support is available?
Please discuss your psychological needs with your clinician who can help you explore your options.
A Transgender Support Programme is provided by LGBT Health & Wellbeing. This service is based in Edinburgh although it is open to all.
LGBT Health & Wellbeing offer a range of services including one to one based support, group workshops, social activities and regular events.
Are trans and non binary people able to access PrEP?
Yes, eligibility for PrEP is based upon risk.
In Scotland you can access PREP if you are:
- Resident in Scotland.
- Aged 16 or over.
- Have a confirmed HIV negative test in a sexual health clinic.
- Able to attend for regular 3 month reviews.
- Willing to stop taking PrEP when no longer eligible.
Plus, one or more of the following criteria:
- Current sexual partners, irrespective of gender, of people who are HIV positive who have a detectable viral load.
- You have a documented bacterial rectal sexually transmitted infection in the last 12 months.
- You have had condomless penetrative anal sex with two or more partners in the last 12 months and likely to do so again in the next three months.
- Anyone, irrespective of gender, at an equivalent risk of HIV acquisition, as agreed with a specialist clinician.
Further information on PREP is available here.
To book an appointment to discuss PREP, call the Chalmers PrEP secretaries on 0131 536 1138.
How can I amend my CHI number
An even 9th digit indicates a female CHI and odd indicates male. You can change your CHI to reflect your identity by simply telling your GP practice you wish to change your gender on your record. No evidence is required.
The GP practice will amend your data held on their practice management computer system which will be received electronically by Practitioner Services, a business unit within NHS National Services Scotland. Whilst any name change can be processed automatically, a change of gender requires manual intervention by one of Practitioner Services trained staff to update CHI.
Do I still need to be involved in Screening Programmes?
Please discuss this with your clinician. Information about screening programmes can be found here.
How do I get a Gender Recognition Certificate?
A Gender Recognition Certificate is a legal document showing your change of gender. You do not need one to change the gender marker on your UK passport, driving licence or medical records.
See here for information on the GRC and how to apply.
As part of your GRC application, you will require two medical reports, one from a gender specialist doctor or psychologist, and another from any other medical doctor. You cannot use a report from a nurse. You can use a surgical referral or initial assessment letter (so long as this was done by a doctor or clinical psychologist). If you have lost or did not receive a copy of this but it is on your record here at the GIC, please call our secretaries on 0131 536 1570 and we can send you another copy.
If you do not have the above, please call the secretaries and we will organise for a fresh report to be written. You may need to come in for a 30 minute appointment to meet the doctor writing this report if they have not met you before; there may be a wait for this appointment.
If you have had an initial assessment or surgical assessment from an NHS GIC doctor/psychologist, unfortunately we will be unable to offer you an appointment to support a second report due to the current demand on the service.
Many people ask their GP to write the second medical report. Some GP practices charge for this service.
How can I change my driving licence or passport details?
If you need a letter to change your driving license or passport, please ask your clinician at your appointment. Otherwise, please contact the secretaries on 0131 536 1570 who will organise with your clinician to send one out.