What to expect
In this section, we explain what to expect in our initial assessments, Endocrine Clinic appointments and surgical assessments (scroll down to see all). We detail what we will talk to you about, who you may meet, how long it will take, where it will be and some potential outcomes. For more information on how to be referred and our pathway see “I want to be referred” and “Referral pathway“.
Initial Assessment
For most people this is the first visit to the NGS. Hormones can have an influence on many areas of your life and it’s important for us to talk about this with you in detail.
In order to understand your individual needs and goals, we ask questions about your background, current circumstances and future plans. There is no set list of questions but we do talk about similar topics with everyone. The purpose of this assessment is to help us gain a clearer idea of how we can help you.
The first visit is approximately three hours long (it may be shorter or longer) with a break in the middle. After this first assessment, your case is discussed with a full multidisciplinary team and a decision is made as to the next steps.
Sometimes, you will be given advice and an outcome after your first assessment where you have met with only one clinician. Other times, you will be referred on for a second assessment with a different clinician. This will depend on what the team feels is best next step in your specific case.
In general, before being referred to endocrine appointments, you will need to have met with a minimum of two clinicians over two appointments, one of which will be with a psychiatrist.
For more information about what happens at initial assessments, see our waitlist FAQs.
Endocrine Clinic Appointments
At your first Endocrine Clinic appointment, we will discuss your options in relation to hormones and medical transition. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you have about your medical transition. Sometimes it is helpful to write these down. This will help you get the most out of your appointment.
You will continue to have Endocrine Clinic appointments until you are discharged back to your GP. These appointments will generally be every six months for the first two years with us and then once every twelve months. However, we can see you as often as needed and will be available by phone or email for general queries in between appointments.
Surgical Assessment
You must be established on hormones prescribed by the NGS for a set period of time before proceeding to surgical assessment. Surgical assessment is completed by a member of the gender team and is similar to your initial assessments. You must be attending our service to access a surgical assessment. The first step is to speak to your doctor or nurse at your Endocrine Clinic appointment.
*If you started on hormones before the NGS provided initial assessments, then you will need to complete a longer surgical assessment. This is similar in format to the initial assessment and must be completed prior to surgical referral.
