PLEASE NOTE
This information is correct as of July 2025. NHS England is currently reviewing this process and further information and guidance will be published in due course.
Can a patient under the age of 18 change their gender marker?
No, children and young people under the age of 18 cannot change their gender marker on their medical record. An independent review has identified a serious safeguarding risk in the current process of re-assigning gender and sex identity in medical records for children and young people.
In response, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has directed that the process for changing gender markers and NHS Numbers in relation to gender amendments for children and young people under 18 is stopped.
How do we advise PCSE of a gender reassignment for a patient over the age of 18?
If you are a patient over 18, we can submit a gender reassignment request, and you will usually be given a new NHS Number and be registered as a new patient, this is not reversible and should you wish to revert to your original gender you would receive a third NHS Number. All previous medical information relating to yourself would then be transferred into a newly created medical record. you should also be aware of the implications in issuing a new NHS Number, including potential loss of old medical record, potential screening concerns, and potential loss of place on NHS waiting lists.
It is important that practices are aware of the steps that need to be taken when a patient changes gender. Following the process will ensure continued patient care and ensure there isn’t an impact on your practice payments.
Can a patient who is undergoing gender reassignment opt to keep their existing NHS number?
Yes, a patient over the age of 18 can change their gender marker without changing their NHS Number. You will need to sign a form to say you consent to this, which will be scanned onto your medical record.
Can a patient be registered as neither male nor female?
An adult (18 years old and above) patient’s gender can be changed to indeterminate or “I”. This will be reflected as “Not specified” on PDS.
Does a transgender patient need to provide evidence of a name change in order for it to be changed on their medical record?
It is up to each individual GP practice to define its own procedures about whether or not to ask patients to provide evidence for a name change.
The Grove Medical Centre does not not need proof of a name change, however if you can provide it then it would be helpful.
This change can be made for both adults and children and young people under the age of 18.