LGBTQ+ Information

At St Thomas Medical Group, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all patients, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We understand that while many health needs are shared across all communities, LGBTQ+ people can face unique challenges and barriers in healthcare. These might include difficulties accessing appropriate support, feeling misunderstood, or experiencing discrimination. We’re here to make sure you feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

Support we Offer

Your sexual orientation and gender identity are a part of who you are. Our team is trained to offer non-judgemental, inclusive healthcare. You can talk to us in confidence about any aspect of your health, including:

  • Sexual health and contraception
  • Gender identity and transitioning
  • Mental health and wellbeing
  • Hormone therapy and referrals to gender clinics
  • Healthy relationships and domestic abuse support

You can let us know your pronouns and preferred name – we will always do our best to use them.

Information for Transgender Patients

Changing Your Gender on NHS Records

Patients can request to update the gender on their medical records at any time. You do not need to have undergone any medical or surgical gender-affirming treatment to make this change.

However, please be aware that updating your gender marker will generate a new NHS number. This is a permanent change and cannot be reversed. We will need to register you as a new patient, and your previous NHS number will be closed. Your medical history will be transferred to your new record.

If you use the NHS App you will need to set this up again in your new NHS identity. 

It can take NHS England up to 4 months to process requests for gender change and issue a new NHS number.

If you decide to change your gender marker again in the future, a third NHS number would be created, and the transfer process would be repeated – again, without any reference to your prior identities.

Important Screening Information

Changing your gender marker on your records may affect automatic invitations for certain routine NHS screenings, such as those for cervical, breast, or prostate cancer. These screenings are based on the gender listed in your medical records.

Before making any changes, we strongly encourage you to review the NHS Screening Guidance for Trans Patients and speak with your GP. Your doctor can help ensure that you continue to receive appropriate screening based on your needs and your sex assigned at birth.

Important Screening Information

Changing your gender marker on your records may affect automatic invitations for certain routine NHS screenings, such as those for cervical, breast, or prostate cancer. These screenings are based on the gender listed in your medical records.

Before making any changes, we strongly encourage you to review the NHS Screening Guidance for Trans Patients and speak with your GP. Your doctor can help ensure that you continue to receive appropriate screening based on your needs and your sex assigned at birth.

Safer Binding/Packing Advice

The Rainbow Project has some useful advice on safer binding and packing for trans men – follow the link to learn more.

Students

We understand that starting university can be a time of big change, including exploring identity and navigating healthcare away from home. Here’s how we can help:

Mental Health Support: University life can be exciting but also overwhelming. If you’re struggling, we’re here to listen and support you. We can also connect you with LGBTQ+ mental health services

Register with a GP: It’s important to register with a local surgery while you’re at university. Use the link here to register with us as a student. You don’t need to use your permanent address – your term-time one is fine.

Confidentiality: Your health information stays private – we won’t share anything with your university or family without your permission.

Useful Resources

Helplines and Charities

Intercom Trust -LGBT+ community resource in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, providing help against homophobic and transphobic prejudice, crime and discrimination

LGBT Foundation – Support and advice, including a helpline and sexual health services.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – 0300 330 0630

Mermaids UK – Support for transgender and gender-diverse young people and their families.

For Students

Exeter University Trans Cafe – Monthly in-person social meetings for trans people, on Exeter Campus (wheelchair accessible)