This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Gender Identity Clinic documentation for patients'.




 
Information for New Patients 
 
Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) 
 
 
The following information provides you with a brief introductory guide to the GIC.  It gives you 
some basic information on what you might expect from your Clinic appointment as well as what we, 
in turn, expect from you.  Further information can be found on our website at www.gic.nhs.uk. 
 
 
Appointments:
 It is very important that you attend your appointments at the scheduled time. If you 
are unable to attend an appointment we would request that you let us know at the earliest 
opportunity so that we can offer the appointment to someone else.   If you  fail to keep your first 
appointment without letting us know, a re-referral to the Clinic by your GP will be required prior to 
arranging another appointment.  Following your first appointment one failure to attend (missed 
appointment) will result in one further appointment being offered.  
 
It is important that you attend all of your appointments so that your Clinician can monitor your 
progress and health as well as offer you support. In the event that surgery is offered you will also 
be asked to attend this clinic until you have had surgery and been discharged. 
          
Change of address: Any change of home address and/or GP should be notified to us 
immediately in writing so that we can update your records. 
 
Hormones: These may be recommended following your first two consultations.  Prescriptions are 
not issued by the Clinic; this will be done by your GP following our recommendation. If you are a 
smoker then you will be asked to stop prior to starting hormones, advice and support for this will be 
given by the Clinic and your local GP.  When you have stopped smoking there may be a further 
delay before hormones can be prescribed.  
 
Real Life Experience: A standard requirement will be for you to complete a 2-year ‘Real Life 
Experience’ in your acquired gender role before a referral for genital surgery can be initiated. Your 
Clinician will also request documentation showing that you are living and functioning in your 
chosen gender role, examples of this may include work ID, copies of pay slips, evidence of 
voluntary work or study.    
 
Referrals for Gender Surgery: In addition to your regular GIC Clinician at least one other GIC 
Clinician’s agreement is usually required before this clinic can refer you for surgery.  
 
Change of name Document
: Your medical records and computer systems will not be changed 
until the GIC receives relevant paperwork confirming the changes. 
 
NHS Funding: Please note that although often recommended by the GIC, electrolysis, Laser 
treatment, Breast Augmentation & Wigs are rarely funded by the NHS. 
 
Legal issues, In order for the work of the Gender Identity Clinic to be effective it is necessary for a 
variety of people to be aware of your gender status and (if you are so diagnosed) that you are 
Trust Headquarters, West London Mental Health NHS Trust, Uxbridge Road, Southall, UB1 3EU 
Tel: 020 8354 8354  |  Web: www.gic.wlmht.nhs.uk  

transsexual. These people include psychologists, nurses, psychiatrists, speech therapists, 
surgeons, GP’s and their associated administrative staff. 
 
Information regarding your gender status and (if you are so diagnosed) that you are transsexual 
will be kept confidential and only shared as necessary for the work of the GIC and your care here. 
 
Some people do not wish their gender status and (if they are so diagnosed) that they are 
transsexual to be shared. If you have a Gender Recognition Certificate or have applied for one you 
are able to legally enforce this. Whilst we will make every effort to respect your wishes regarding 
the sharing of information, and will keep information as confidential as we are able, it is necessary 
for the running of the Clinic and the safety of our clinical practice to share information under some 
circumstances.  
 
If you do not allow us to share your information about your gender status and (if you are so 
diagnosed) that you are transsexual, then, for the reasons outlined above, we will unfortunately not 
be able to see you at this Clinic. 
 
Accordingly, we assume that if you attend the Clinic you have consented to information being 
shared in the manner outlined above. 
 
 
Trust Headquarters, West London Mental Health NHS Trust, Uxbridge Road, Southall, UB1 3EU 
Tel: 020 8354 8354  |  Web: www.wlmht.nhs.uk