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Information For You
Ashdown Medical Group (Burnt Ash Surgery and Downham Family Medical Practice), strive to provide a supportive and safe environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) individuals. We believe in fairness, equality, and above all value diversity.
While most health issues affecting LGBT+ individuals are similar to those of the general population, we know that LGBT+ people have unique health needs and experience disparities in care.
We would like to ask all our patients who identify as LGBT+ to let us know how we can continue to improve our service to you.
If you need any help or support, please do ask the Practice Manager /our clinical team.
Useful Information
Changing your name
Simply complete a change of name request form and give it to reception. We will ask to see proof of a name change (such as a deed-pole or marriage certificate) along with photographic evidence. If you can not provide this evidence, please arrange a telephone call with a doctor to discuss this further.
We can put an alert on your system if you have a chosen name without changing it on your records.
Changing your title
You can change your title from Mr to Mx, or Miss/Mrs/Ms to Mx without changing your gender
If you want to change your title from Miss/Mrs/Ms to Mr, or Mr to Miss/Mrs/Ms. You will have to change your gender on your NHS records too.
Changing your gender
You can do this at any time, by completing a gender change form and you do not have to have undergone any form of gender reassignment treatment. You must be aware that changing your gender will mean you will be allocated a new NHS number, and your pre-exisiting NHS number will no longer be accessible or be reversible. Your previous notes will be merged to your new notes, minus any previous identity information.
*unfortunately the NHS only accepts a male / female gender for registration and for gender change currently, if you wish to choose non-binary or other, we can add an alert to your notes, so we as a practice know your preferred gender. Without a male or female gender we cannot register you or change your gender as PCSE will reject the application. Sadly, this is out of our hands, but we and others across the UK have raised this issue to get the system changed, when will this be, we do not know. We do understand your frustrations.
We as a practice will ensure you get called in for your screening opportunities as long as you stay registered with us, but we do need to know your assigned gender at birth to ensure you get called in at the right time. Further information can be found on the government website and at Cancer Research UK
A new NHS number can take approximately 6 months to come through to us (this time duration is because of PCSE and not the practice), once we notify PCSE which we will do within 4 weeks of receiving your request. Once we receive your new NHS number, we will create a new registration for you at the practice within 5 days, and will aim to merge your old records to your new records in a timely manner. (If you have any concerns with this, please contact the practice and speak to a doctor). You should be informed of your new NHS number by PCSE. If you do not receive, please contact us and we can give it to you. You may need to inform any hospitals you are under of your new NHS number so they can update your records.
Useful Resources
The LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.
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.
Call: 0345 3 30 30 30 Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm
If you aren’t completely sure where the best place to go is LGBT Foundation helpline is always a good first port of call as they can offer further signposting and detailed initial support and advice
Pride Sports
A UK organisation looking to challenge LGBT+phobia in sport
African Rainbow Family
Campaigning for Racial Justice & the Human Rights of LGBTIQ+ Refugees and People Seeking Asylum.
Metro
Health, community and youth services across London and the south-east.
Antidote
Antidote is a free, LGBT run and targeted drug and alcohol support service delivered by highly trained staff and volunteers. Antidote offer one-to-one key working, referral to detox clinics and prescribing centres, drop-ins to discuss drug and alcohol issues, sexual health, chemsex, and steroid use issues, intensive structured weekend programmes (SWAP), an advice helpline, referrals to in-house counselling, and more.
- Call: 020 7833 1674 (10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) and ask for one of the Antidote Team.
- Drop-in: Clinics at 6 different locations in London across the week.
CliniQ
CliniQ are a holistic sexual health and well-being service for all trans people, partners and friends. CliniQ are a trans-led team, who offer a safe, confidential space for those who may not feel comfortable accessing mainstream services. They also perform cervical screening.
Where to find CliniQ services
- King’s College Hospital every Tuesday from 4.00pm to 7.00pm at the Caldecot Clinic
- 56 Dean Street in Soho every Wednesday from 4.30pm to 7.00pm
GI (Gendered Intelligence)
GI (Gendered Intelligence) work with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives; they particularly specialise in supporting young trans people under the age of 21. GI deliver trans youth programmes, resources, support for parents and carers, and educational workshops for schools, colleges, universities and other educational settings. GI also have a youth group specifically for black and minority ethnic young people who are trans or questioning their gender.
GI have youth groups across the city.
London Friend
London Friend supports the health and mental well-being of the LGBT community in and around London. They offer counselling and support around issues such as same-sex relationships, sexual and gender identity and promoting personal growth and self-confidence. They're also home to Antidote drug and alcohol service, and a range of social and support groups.
Mermaids
Mermaids also focus on supporting and informing gender diverse children and young people, and their families, Mermaids have 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
Stonewall Housing
Stonewall Housing advice and support for LGBT people, including those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, family breakdown, harassment, domestic abuse, eviction. Stonewall also provide supported accommodation for young people in some London boroughs and are a partner in The Outside Project - the UK’s first LGBT crisis/homeless shelter and community centre.
- Call: advice line on 020 7359 5767 for confidential advice (weekdays 10.00am to 1.00 pm)
- Drop In: several drop-ins across London
including trans specific drop-ins at CliniQ