(UK) PCT funding

[Nathan.]

And Sinnyo, that sounds awful.  I have heard that Charing Cross is currently in a state of administrative meltdown and are struggling to deal with a growing backlog.  I wonder if that is anything to do with it?  I read somewhere that they got the date for their first appt and it nine months or so ahead!

I've heard that too but I went for my 1st appointment (I had to wait 9 months for it :/) on the 7th and when I came out they made my next appointment for about 3 months later which isn't too bad and I could be on T then. I'm glad I stuck with the NHS now I just hope they're ok with me not using the NHS for top surgery.

[MillieB]

i ve been referred to nottingham- although its only an hour away its still doesnt fall under my PCT so its a case of waiting for the funding before Nottingham will actually agree to see me

i thought that I would be Nottingham as it is a lot nearer to where I live but my pct use CHX, I don't know too much about them other than they are quite strict about prescribing hormones as far as RLE and stuff is concerned, I know someone at Nottingham who has been prescribed after her fourth appointment! I have no idea whether they have any kind of policy for the private/NHS thing. I am really glad not to be at Nottingham as a MTF as this would mean surgery at Leicester with Dr Terry, and although I'm sure that he is fine, I have heard enough negativity around his name to go, er......no thanks!

[Papillon]

Just an update about mixing private and NHS funding.

I have just been to see my GP, which is the first time I have spoken to her about the possibility of transitioning (I have spoken to a colleague of hers when she was on holiday, and he was truly shocking.  But that is another story).  Anyway, she was lovely.  She said that she has had two trans patients before but was still a little hazy about the procedure so, if I knew what I wanted, she would do her best to get it for me. So she is sending a referral to Dr Curtis today and I should get an appointment date pretty soon (this is for assessment and diagnosis). And, if I go ahead, she is happy to prescribe whatever he recommends. 

So, I guess it can be done if you have an informed, sympathetic GP who trusts your judgement.

[Sinnyo]

And Sinnyo, that sounds awful.  I have heard that Charing Cross is currently in a state of administrative meltdown and are struggling to deal with a growing backlog.  I wonder if that is anything to do with it?  I read somewhere that they got the date for their first appt and it nine months or so ahead!

O_O

It'd better bloody not be. I will have lost it by then. >.<
Impatience led me to try starting transition anyway, but my 'non-HRTd' body is quite resistant to the idea of smooth legs/arms/chest. Nine months of this? Nuuuuuu... I shall just have to work out how to RLE it before that time comes. u_u

All the more reason to poke PCTs and have them get funding across as soon as possible, I suppose. Good luck, Al!