Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

We are an LGBT inclusive practice

It is estimated that on average, GP surgeries will have around 300 patients who identify as LGBT, and some of these patients will have specific medical needs that often go unmet. LGBT patients are more reluctant to access healthcare and may delay/ avoid getting treatment due to fears of encountering LGBT phobia.

At Portcullis Surgery we are committed to ensuring people feel confident to use our services no matter who you are and we are committed to making sure all our patients feel supported and listened to.

Health Screening

It is important that we have information about your gender identity and sexual orientation as this may allow us to invite you to appropiate health screening for you.

Breast cancer screening, cervical smear screening, and abdominal aortic screening invitations are gender specific, so if you are transgender you may not be invited to the correct screening unless you let us know.

Sexual Health 

Your GP may need to be aware of your sexual orientation in order to give you the best possible care for your medical problem.

If your GP is made aware of your sexual orientation and gender identity this can help identify your health care needs.

Only you can decide if you would like to share with us what sexual identity best describes you.

By asking this question we are trying to become more inclusive as a practice and allow patients to self-disclose this information, if you choose to and improve health outcomes as a result.

Please send us this information by filling in the confidential form below

Sexual orientation is about who you’re attracted to and who you feel drawn to romantically, emotionally, and sexually. It’s different than gender identity. Gender identity isn’t about who you’re attracted to, but about how you identify yourself — male, female, transgender.

For further support

Here a number of organisations and information leaflets that can help you

https://lgbt.foundation/who-were-here-for

https://gids.nhs.uk/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/how-get-help-and-support/

Screening_information_for_trans_and_non_binary_people

If you would like to discuss any of this or would like to speak to someone regarding specific issues related to your sexual orientation or gender identity please send an email to portcullis.surgery@nhs.net for the attention of Dr Catherine Beanland

Mental Health

There is a wide range of research to show that LGBT people are disproportionately more likely to have poor mental health. A 2018 study found that 52% of LGBT people had experienced depression in the year preceding the survey. Additionally, 46% of trans people and 31% of cis LGB people thought about taking their life in this time. This compares to 1 in 20 adults in the general population.

We are fortunate that we have a counsellor at the practice who has a special interest in young people in general and in  patients with mental health problems related to gender identity or sexual orientation. If you would like to speak to Siri in a telephone appointment please email the practice or call the practice to make an appointment