We support everyone regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation and strive to ensure all our patients have an empathic and quality experience.

We recognise that many people in the LGBTQ+ community are often reluctant to ask for medical help because of negative experiences they may have had in the past.

All our staff at the practice are working to improve their understanding of the issues facing our LGBTQ+ patients and positively support them in accessing the care they need.

As a reflection of our commitment to LGBTQ+ patients, we are proud to be working towards the Pride in Practice scheme run by The LGBT Foundation.

This scheme identifies GP surgeries that are fully committed to ensuring that their LGBTQ+ patients are treated fairly and are able to discuss their issues openly with their GP or other healthcare clinician.

Did you know? You can change your title from Mr to Miss/Mrs/Ms or from Miss/Mrs/Ms to Mr without changing your gender.

If you want to change your preferred pronouns, just let us know.

Did you know? To change your name on your medical records you need to complete a Change of Personal Details form. 

If you prefer, we can add a "known as" name to your record so we as a practice can call you by your preferred name.

Patients may request to change gender on their patient record at any time and do not need to have undergone any form of gender reassignment treatment to do so.

We must advise you, the patient, that changing your gender on your records would mean that you will be supplied with a new NHS number which is not reversible, and we will need to register you as a new patient. Your old NHS number will no longer exist and your existing medical information will be transferred into your new medical record minus any information relating to your previous identity.

To revert to your previous gender, we would need to issue you with a third NHS number and transfer your then existing medical information minus any information relating to your previous identity to your new record.

Please note: Upon changing your gender it is important that you understand that you will not receive automatic invites for screening for certain cancers and conditions. It is important that you read and understand this leaflet NHS Screening Guidance for Trans Patients before requesting to change your medical records.

We suggest you discuss with your doctor any future screening that maybe relevant to your gender at birth. We, as a practice, are responsible for inviting you to discuss appropriate screening at the relevant time.

If you agree to the above, please complete and submit the Gender Change on Medical Records form. We aim to complete the Gender Change within 4 weeks and you will be notified on completion. Please ensure we have your up-to-date contact information.

This leaflet is for trans (transgender) and non-binary people in England. It explains the adult NHS screening programmes that are available in England and explains who is invited for screening. We use trans as an umbrella term to embrace the diverse range of identities outside the traditional male/female definitions. These include transgender, gender fluid and non-binary. Find more trans health information on NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk/trans-health.

Chippenham LGBTQ youth sessions – On Your Mind offer supportive sessions for young people.

Consortium offers a range of practical support for people who run LGBTQ+ groups, projects and networks from fundraising to practical information about running and growing a group.  

Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity working with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of interpersonal abuse and violence.

LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428  Email: help@galop.org.uk

LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline: 020 7704 2040  Email: hatecrime@galop.org.uk

Conversion Therapy Helpline 0800 130 3335  Email: CThelp@galop.org.uk

Gendered Intelligence is a registered charity that exists to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve trans people's quality of life.  They are a trans-led and trans-involving grassroots organisation with a wealth of lived experience, community connections of many kinds, and a depth and breadth of trans community knowledge. 

LGBT Foundation's Helpline Service has been running for 35 years and provides thousands of hours of advice and support to thousands of people every year on a huge range of issues. The Helpline is staffed by a team of dedicated staff and volunteer operators, all of whom receive extensive training and support. The LGBT Foundation helpline is a good first step if you are unsure of how to access support and advice.

Call: 0345 3 30 30 30 Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm
Email: helpline@lgbt.foundation and receive a reply within 10 working days

Mermaids focus on supporting and informing gender diverse children and young people, and their families, with a particular focus on younger children who may be questioning their gender or who identify as trans. Mermaids have online forums, a helpline, and host meet ups across the UK.

Stonewall Young Futures | Stonewall is a hub for all young lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace people thinking about their next steps.

The Swindon TG Group is a local Transgender support group that exists in order to provide information and help to those who are either confused about gender or who are simply looking for a safe and friendly environment in which to ‘dress’ regardless of age, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, ethnicity or any other totally irrelevant factor.

Swindon & Wiltshire Pride | LGBTQ+ Festival (swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk) stages an annual LGBTQ+ event and their purpose is to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit and in particular the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. Including in particular but not exclusively by raising awareness, engaging with the community, celebrating the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities and advancing education. 

Trans Unite is a comprehensive resource for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community. Their easy to use, mobile friendly directory connects users to an established local network of trans support groups.

Support-for-LGBTQ-in-Wiltshire-Ver01-Jan2022.pdf (wessexcommunityaction.org.uk) 

Find out about local LGBTQ+ groups here LGBTQ groups in Chippenham - Meetup