Astonia House Surgery 2020-10-03 Person 1 5 0

I am appalled by the recent service I have received from my GP and the receptionist at this practice. I am transitioning from female to male, and have many ongoing severe mental health conditions. I am on weekly medication and can spiral quickly if this is not prescribed correctly. A couple of weeks ago my official name change was confirmed by the doctors, but then suddenly my medication didn’t arrive at the pharmacy. I was panicking and got very upset so rang the doctors reception to find out where it was. She said “well if you will change your name, that will happen! Your medical notes will have been completely wiped because of your name change”. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed, as if changing my name was something I had done wrong. I felt like she was telling me off for doing it. She has absolutely no idea how hard it is to begin a gender transition, and how changing my name has been incredibly challenging for me. She made me feel so much worse and caused my mental health to spiral dramatically. I also recently rung my doctor as i was desperate for some extra support with my gender dysphoria whilst I continue on my 30 month waiting list with the gender clinic. The doctor had access to my complete medical records and could clearly read how dangerous my mental health can become when I’m struggling. But instead of offering any referrals or further support, he simply said he would send me a fact sheet about gender dysphoria. I was extremely disappointed as I do not need a fact sheet about a condition that I have lived with for my entire life! I know how it feels and what it is better than any fact sheet. The doctor just seemed so unsympathetic and didnt attempt to understand what was going on with me.

Learn to be more understanding of gender conditions and the impact they can have on peoples lives.