What Trans, Non-binary and Intersex People Told Us About Health Services in York
Download (PDF 800.87 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch York had heard about poor experiences in accessing local healthcare services from trans and non-binary people living in the city. They wanted to find out if the issues people raised were common for trans, non-binary and intersex people in York. Healthwatch undertook three surveys, reaching a total of 90 people.
Healthwatch found a mixed picture across all NHS services. Some people told of gender affirming care from healthcare professionals who were empathetic, caring and wanted to support the people to get the care they needed. However, others had such distressing experiences that they no longer trust the NHS to provide any care for them.
Key findings
1. Many people are not treated with respect and dignity. This includes healthcare professionals consistently using the wrong pronouns or names for people.
2. Many healthcare professionals do not have appropriate/effective training around trans, non-binary and intersex people’s healthcare.
3. The waiting lists for gender specific care are too long, with little to no support for people while waiting.
4. There isn't a consistent approach to shared care in York between GPs and private hormone/gender affirming care.
Some of the feedback highlighted good practice. This demonstrates that gender affirming care is not only possible but is already happening in York. It is led by committed and concerned healthcare professionals. This shows that good care for all trans, non-binary and intersex people is possible locally. With leadership and support it could be the rule rather than the exception.