🌈LGBTQ+

Pride in Practice

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At Tollesbury Surgery, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and high-quality care to everyone in our community, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

 

We understand that some LGBTQ+ individuals may have experienced barriers to accessing healthcare in the past. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable and respected.

 

Our team is actively working to enhance their understanding of LGBTQ+ healthcare needs, and we are proud to be participating in the Pride in Practice scheme with The LGBT Foundation. This reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring all our patients receive the inclusive and supportive care they deserve.

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Shared Care Prescribing

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It is practice policy to only agree to shared care prescribing with the private companies on the below list, as they are GMC registered and UK based.

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Private Gender Identity Clinic List

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Changing Your Title or Pronouns

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Did you know? You can change your title from Mr to Miss/Mrs/Ms or from Miss/Mrs/Ms to Mr without changing your gender. If you want to change your preferred pronouns, just let us know.

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Gender Change on Medical Records

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Patients may request to change gender on their patient record at any time and do not need to have undergone any form of gender reassignment treatment to do so.

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We must advise you, the patient, that changing your gender on your records would mean that you will be supplied with a new NHS number which is not reversible, and we will need to register you as a new patient. Your old NHS number will no longer exist and your existing medical information will be transferred into your new medical record minus any information relating to your previous identity.

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To revert to your previous gender, we would need to issue you with a third NHS number and transfer your then existing medical information minus any information relating to your previous identity to your new record.

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Please note: Upon changing your gender it is important that you understand that you will not receive automatic invites for screening for certain cancers and conditions. It is important that you read and understand this leaflet NHS Screening Guidance for Trans Patients before requesting to change your medical records.

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We suggest you discuss with your doctor any future screening that maybe relevant to your gender at birth. We, as a practice, are responsible for inviting you to discuss appropriate screening at the relevant time.

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Sexual Health for Gay & Bisexual Men

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Having unprotected penetrative sex is the most likely way to pass on a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

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Using a condom helps protect against HIV and lowers the risk of getting many other STIs.

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If you’re a man having sex with men without condoms and with someone new, you should have an STI and HIV test every 3 months, otherwise, it should be at least once a year. This can be done at a sexual health clinic (SHC) or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. This is important, as some STIs do not cause any symptoms.

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Please see the linked NHS page for further information. 

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Sexual Health for Lesbian & Bisexual Women

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Women who have sex with other women can pass on or get STIs. 

Women can catch STIs such as chlamydia when exchanging bodily fluids.

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Herpes and genital warts can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. This includes oral sex or using the same hand when touching yourself and then your partner.

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If you have any of the symptoms or are worried you may have an STI, speak to your GP or visit an STI clinic.

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Getting tested regularly is a good idea to ensure you have a healthy sex life.

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Please see the linked NHS page for further information. 

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Starting a Family

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There are several ways you could become a parent if getting pregnant by having sex is not an option for you.

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Possible ways to become a parent include:

• donor insemination

• IUI (intrauterine insemination)

• surrogacy

• adoption or fostering

• co-parenting

 

All these options can be explored by anyone, including single people and same sex couples. Please see below for more information. 

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Donor Insemination:

Donor insemination involves placing sperm into the person getting pregnant. For safe and legal practices, use a licensed fertility clinic where sperm is screened for infections and genetic conditions. Alternatively, individuals donating sperm can get STI tested at a sexual health clinic. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) regulates licensed clinics: HFEA Website.

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IUI (Intrauterine Insemination):

IUI places sperm directly into the womb at a licensed fertility clinic. This ensures sperm is screened for STIs and genetic conditions. Find licensed clinics via the HFEA's search tool: HFEA Fertility Clinic Search.

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Surrogacy:

Surrogacy involves someone carrying a baby for others. In the UK, surrogacy is legal, but advertising for surrogates and paying fees is not. NHS surrogacy is not available. For UK surrogacy guidance: Surrogacy Guidance.

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Adoption or Fostering:

Apply to adopt or foster through a local authority or agency, regardless of marital status. Assessment and training are required. New Family Social supports LGBT+ adoptive/fostering parents. For more information: GOV.UK Child Adoption and GOV.UK Becoming a Foster Parent.

 

Co-Parenting:

Co-parenting involves two or more people jointly raising a child, sharing parental responsibilities. Legal advice is crucial early in the planning stage.

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Trans or Non-Binary Parents:

Trans and non-binary individuals seeking fertility treatment can find information on the HFEA website. Resources include details on testosterone and pregnancy, and chestfeeding. HFEA Trans Fertility Info.

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Signposting

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• LGBTQIA+ information and further support - Mind in West Essex

• Consortium offers a range of practical support for people who run LGBTQ+ groups, projects and networks from fundraising to practical information about running and growing a group.  

• Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity working with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of interpersonal abuse and violence.

• LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428  Email: help@galop.org.uk

• LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline: 020 7704 2040  Email: hatecrime@galop.org.uk

• Conversion Therapy Helpline 0800 130 3335  Email: CThelp@galop.org.uk

• Gendered Intelligence is a registered charity that exists to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve trans people's quality of life.  They are a trans-led and trans-involving grassroots organisation with a wealth of lived experience, community connections of many kinds, and a depth and breadth of trans community knowledge. 

• LGBT Foundation's Helpline Service has been running for 35 years and provides thousands of hours of advice and support to thousands of people every year on a huge range of issues. The Helpline is staffed by a team of dedicated staff and volunteer operators, all of whom receive extensive training and support. The LGBT Foundation helpline is a good first step if you are unsure of how to access support and advice.
  Call: 0345 3 30 30 30 Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm
  Email: helpline@lgbt.foundation and receive a reply within 10 working days

• Mermaids focus on supporting and informing gender diverse children and young people, and their families, with a particular focus on younger children who may be questioning their gender or who identify as trans. Mermaids have online forums, a helpline, and host meet ups across the UK.