As per the topic I made before - there is apparently no funding for treatment outside of London.
I can't afford to go to London, not even once, never mind for several appointments - unless I decided food wasn't necessary.
I have been googling my ass off looking for something that tells me some good news. Such as "all transsexuals are entitled to NHS treatment" or something to that effect, so I could show it to my current doctor, and maybe guide her in the whole process.
I can't find anything like that.
Does anyone know if ALL doctors are qualified to prescribe hormones? Do I actually need a specialist clinic? Would it be worth asking my doctor to treat me or am I basically screwed?
I think Nero might know of on-line gender therapists that can help :)
I can't imagine it would hurt to ask, would you?
Quote from: Virginia Marie on August 21, 2009, 06:51:16 PM
I think Nero might know of on-line gender therapists that can help :)
I don't want therapy, informed consent would be my choice
I can't afford online therapy anyway :P
Quote from: Becca on August 21, 2009, 06:52:46 PM
I can't imagine it would hurt to ask, would you?
Thought I'd ask here before I booked time off work and frustrated myself at the doctors, incase anyone happened to know. (It's voluntary work by the way, no wages to speak of)
Well, my primary care physician is a nurse practicioner, acting on a physicians orders. Perhaps your local doc would be willing to follow the directions of someone in London? You'd still hafta go once, but maybe the local person could spare you repeated trips for labs and stuff. Basically I think hormones are just barely controlled substances, and just about anyone can write them for you, the question is a matter of will they.
in america, any medical doctor is "qualified" to prescribe hormones. its probably the same there as long as theyre a real doctor of medicine.
Quote from: Jeatyn on August 21, 2009, 06:27:58 PM
As per the topic I made before - there is apparently no funding for treatment outside of London.
I can't afford to go to London, not even once, never mind for several appointments - unless I decided food wasn't necessary.
I have been googling my ass off looking for something that tells me some good news. Such as "all transsexuals are entitled to NHS treatment" or something to that effect, so I could show it to my current doctor, and maybe guide her in the whole process.
I can't find anything like that.
Does anyone know if ALL doctors are qualified to prescribe hormones? Do I actually need a specialist clinic? Would it be worth asking my doctor to treat me or am I basically screwed?
UK doctors can, and do prescribe Hormones, however they will not normally do so unless you are assessed by a NHS physciatrist first, which they will normally arrrange under SOC...the real problem is the time delay which can be anything from 3 to 12 months for an initial consultation.... and as you say it's often in London...
Having said that, I have heard of a couple of cases recently, where local doctors have taken the step to prescibe HRT on the recommendation of a local general therapist, before a "Charing Cross" review appointment came up.
..but once you are in the system your local doctor will do the regular blood tests and repeat prescriptions.
I do know that some of the private clinic doctors also do work on an "ability" to pay basis, and they do help if we are persistant enough and make a good case. They will normally help you to get your local doctor to do the routine prescriptions, so your fear of constant trips to the city may be unfounded.
Did you find this link when googling?
[Link removed...sent via pm...Sorry]
:icon_hug:
Chrissty
Post Merge: August 22, 2009, 12:52:19 PM
For general information, our NHS healthcare system in the UK has issued an online book for the "young transexual"
http://www.pfc.org.uk/files/281091_YP_trans.pdf (http://www.pfc.org.uk/files/281091_YP_trans.pdf)
Chrissty
Thanks for the replies guys, I have an update to report ;D
I contacted my MP and told her about the situation, I received a letter from her today saying the following:
"Thank you for your recent email regarding NHS support for female to male transsexuals.
I was very concerned to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing. I have therefore written to the Department of Health to raise this matter on your behalf. As soon as I have received a response I will be in touch with you once again.
I would expect a reply within 4 weeks. However, if you have not heard from me in the time, then please do contact me on the number listed above."
I really hope something comes of this, I am still going to pester my GP to treat me in the mean time, but even if that works out for me then hopefully people coming up behind me will find it easier.
thats good news! its always good to have someone in the medical community on our behalf
Quote from: Jeatyn on August 21, 2009, 06:27:58 PM
As per the topic I made before - there is apparently no funding for treatment outside of London.
I can't afford to go to London, not even once, never mind for several appointments - unless I decided food wasn't necessary.
I have been googling my ass off looking for something that tells me some good news. Such as "all transsexuals are entitled to NHS treatment" or something to that effect, so I could show it to my current doctor, and maybe guide her in the whole process.
I can't find anything like that.
Does anyone know if ALL doctors are qualified to prescribe hormones? Do I actually need a specialist clinic? Would it be worth asking my doctor to treat me or am I basically screwed?
Hey Jeatyn
Sorry I didn't reply sooner, I've not been around much the last few days.
In the UK, each PCT (Primary Care Trust, the people who are responsible for funding all health stuff) has a contract with one of the GICs (Gender Identity Clinics). The biggest one by far is Charing Cross (CX) in London, which is why so many people from all over the country are sent there.
However, if you are on a low income - which I presume you are, or you wouldn't be worried about affording a trip to London - you can get your travel expenses refunded at CX. You just ask for the form at the GIC reception and take it over to the main hospital where they'll give you cash.
Also, check out National Express coaches - their advance online fares are often very cheap; more than once I've travelled from Manchester to London for £1 each way!
I think it's very unlikely that your GP will treat you independently. What they should be doing at this stage is referring you to a local psych for an initial assessment before you get referred to CX - CX do not accept referrals directly from GPs, only from other psychs. If you ask your GP to do that, you'll at least be in the system and heading towards getting the treatment you're after.
Also, assuming you'll be wanting chest surgery, I don't think that any NHS surgeons would perform that without a referral from a specialist - so you'd need to be referred to a GIC at that point anyway.
I'm happy to chat on MSN if you want to ask me any other questions btw, and if I can help in any way I'll be glad to mate. Drop me a PM if you wanna chat sometime.