Gender reassignment: changing your NHS record
Ashcroft Surgery welcomes trans and non-binary patients. This page explains how to change your name, title or gender on your NHS record, what happens to your medical record, and where to find support. Gender reassignment is one of the 9 characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010, and you will always be treated with respect here.
The most important thing to know
You do not need a Gender Recognition Certificate, a diagnosis, or any medical treatment to change your name, title or gender on your NHS record. You just need to tell us. Speak to any member of our reception team or your GP — in person or by phone on 01274 612 279. You can ask to speak somewhere private.
What you can change
Your name and title
You can change these at any time, at any age. Your NHS number stays the same. We do not legally need documents, though we may ask you to sign a short note for your record so nothing is mistaken for an error. Your title does not have to match your gender — for example, "Mx" is fine.
Your gender marker (adults 18 and over)
You have 2 choices. You can keep your existing NHS number and just change the gender marker, or you can be given a completely new NHS number and a fresh record (the standard national process, explained below). Adults can also be recorded as neither male nor female ("not specified"). We will talk both options through with you.
Under 18?
The national process for changing NHS numbers and gender markers for people under 18 is currently paused by NHS England. You can still change your name and title on your record at any age. Talk to us and we will explain what is possible right now.
The new NHS number process, step by step
If you choose a new NHS number, here is what happens. The process is run by Primary Care Support England (PCSE), the NHS service that manages GP records in England.
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Tell us you want to change your gender on your record
Speak to your GP or our reception team. Everything is confidential. We will explain both options and check which one you want.
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We notify PCSE securely
We send your request through PCSE's secure online form. You do not need to contact PCSE yourself, but you can contact PCSE if you have questions.
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PCSE gives you a new NHS number
Your old NHS number is closed and your old registration with us ends automatically. This is a normal part of the process — you are not being removed as a patient.
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We register you again with your new details
We aim to complete your new registration within 5 working days of receiving your new details, so there is no gap in your care, prescriptions or appointments.
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We transfer your medical history to your new record
Everything medically relevant moves across. References to your previous name, gender and NHS number are not carried over into the new record. If something in your history worries you, ask us — a GP can review it with you.
Ongoing hospital care? Please tell us about any hospital clinics, referrals or treatment you are having, so we can make sure they link to your new NHS number and nothing gets lost.
Screening: something we will always discuss with you
NHS screening invitations (such as cervical, breast, bowel and abdominal aortic aneurysm screening) are sent automatically based on the gender recorded on your NHS record. If your gender marker changes, some screening you still need may no longer be offered automatically — and you may be invited to screening you do not need.
We will go through this with you when you update your record, and we can arrange the right screening for your body directly. You can also read the NHS screening information for trans and non-binary people on GOV.UK.
NHS gender identity services
Changing your record is separate from any medical care. If you would like to explore NHS support for gender dysphoria — such as assessment, hormone therapy or surgery — a GP here can talk with you and refer you to an NHS gender dysphoria clinic. You do not need to have changed your record first.
Please be aware that national waiting times for these clinics are long. While you wait, we remain your GP for all your health needs, and you can read about how NHS gender dysphoria clinics work on the NHS website.
Common questions
Do I need a Gender Recognition Certificate or a deed poll?
No. You do not need any legal document, diagnosis or treatment to change your name, title or gender on your NHS record. We may ask you to sign a short note so the change is clearly recorded as your request.
Will staff use my correct name and pronouns?
Yes. Tell any member of our team the name, title and pronouns you use and we will record them. If we ever get it wrong, please tell us — we want to put it right.
Can I keep my old NHS number?
If you are 18 or over, yes. You can change the gender marker on your record without changing your NHS number. We will ask you to confirm your choice so it is clearly recorded.
What happens to my old medical information?
If you take a new NHS number, all medically relevant information is transferred to your new record so your care is safe and complete. Mentions of your previous name, gender and NHS number are not carried over. Some clinical information linked to your body (for example, cervical screening history) must stay on your record so we can look after you properly.
Is any of this shared without my permission?
Your record is confidential, just like any other patient's. Information is only shared with people involved in your care who need it. Our privacy notice explains how your information is protected.
If you need help now
Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger or has seriously harmed themselves.
If you are struggling with your mental health and need urgent support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, day or night. For anything routine, contact us on 01274 612 279 — you can ask to speak to a GP about how you are feeling.
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