Gender affirmation survey- people's experiences of using local health services
Download (PDF 535.04 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Staffordshire decided to investigate waiting lists for gender identity services after they attended Stoke Pride and spoke to someone experience long waits for treatment. They undertook a survey to understand people’s experiences. 31 people took part.
People had a mixed experience with their GP. Most people got support from their friends.
Some people had been waiting nearly four years to be seen by a gender identity clinic. Gender Affirmation Clinics did not keep people informed about their waiting times once they had been referred to them. People said that being on the waiting list had a detrimental effect on their mental and physical health.
Respondents felt they wanted more support, and knowledge, from the medical community, which included GPs. An established process for supporting individuals waiting to be seen would help prevent a deterioration in their wellbeing and mental health.
The report contains three recommendations.