Blackpool LINk

Blackpool LINk wrote to NHS Blackpool asking for clarity on what the process is for a person to get their name changed and how long should this process take? Also, what is NHS Blackpool's policy on a patient's request to be called by a different name?

Response from NHS Blackpool - NHS Blackpool have spoken to our community health services senior management team and GP Practice managers to seek clarification on the process. NHS Blackpool have responded to different scenarios regarding trans gender patients.

1. If a patient is transgender and is not planning to undergo gender reassignment, and wishes to be called by a different name (but is not changing their name via deed poll) then they can request that at their GP practice or clinic, by speaking to the practice or clinic manager. The name they want to be called by will be written on the patients care records. They can also request that the different name be written onto their medical records and can request that information be shared with any other health service. NHS Blackpool would advise that the patient check with the reception at their first visit. This can be done when they arrive for their appointment.

Changing name by deed poll would enable the name on the health records of a transgender patient to be changed legally and formally.

2. If a patient is transgender and is planning to undergo gender reassignment then the same process would apply during transition, however post operatively, the patient would change their name by deed poll, and have a new NHS number generated.

Any failure by any service to comply with this would be grounds for formal complaint by the patient, and would go against NHS Blackpool's ethos of putting patients at the heart of everything we do.

Your letter raises some interesting points and NHS Blackpool will ensure that they consider this case as they review policies and engage with the Equality Delivery System (EDS) from April 2012.