Patients and Carers
All information on this page relates to adult patients in England, unless detailed otherwise.
The Waiting List
NHS Gender National Referral Support Service manage all referrals to NHS Gender Services on behalf of NHS England, including the NHS Gender Service Adult Waiting List.
The NHS Gender Services commissioned by NHS England can be found NHS gender dysphoria clinics - NHS.
Who can be referred?
Referrals for patients to be seen by the NHS England Adult Gender Services can be made for anyone aged 18 yrs and over who is registered with a GP in England, and who is showing symptoms of gender incongruence or dysphoria.
If someone has a mental health diagnosis such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia it does not mean that they cannot be seen. However, it is important that symptoms are well managed before attending any appointments. Any drug or alcohol problem will also need to be managed prior to attending an appointment with an NHS Adult Gender Service.
Who can make a referral?
Referrals can be made to the National Gender Referral Support Service by an NHS GP or healthcare professional.
What happens after a referral has been made?
After a referral has been submitted to the National Gender Referral Support Service, we will send an acknowledgment letter including an Information Pack confirming the referral has been added to the national waiting list for adult NHS Gender Services.
Patients will be contacted at various points whilst they are waiting to check that they still wish to be seen and, depending on where they are on the waiting list, to complete a Gender Experience Summary (GES). The purpose of a GES is to provide greater detail to the NHS Adult Gender Services about the patient, their journey and important information that will be shared for the first appointment.
Support from the National Referral Support Service (NRSS)
Waiting times for adult gender clinics can be long, often extending to several years. While you’re waiting, please update us about any changes regarding your name, NHS Number and contact details, so that we have the up-to-date information when we need to make contact.
Support from NHS Gender National Referral Support Service (GNRSS)
- GNRSS provides comprehensive administrative support, available via a single point of access through this website using Contact Us.
- The team is dedicated to assisting patients by supplying detailed information on referral eligibility, service locations and the process of referral transfer.
- There is important information on this website and through a Chatbot that is kept up to date so information can be accessed at any time of day or night.
This service offers support from nurse advisors who patients can arrange to book a call with. They will be able to provide medical guidance, assesses symptoms and direct you to care and support services.
Keeping fit and healthy whilst waiting
When considering hormone treatment or surgery, lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, or smoking can influence physical and mental health. These factors may also impact on risks during treatment or recovery. More information can be found on the following links.