Update on the National Adult Gender Referral Support Service

In response to recommendations from the National Review of Adult Gender Services, a new, nationally managed waiting list for adult gender services is being created to

  • streamline the referral process
  • reduce waiting times
  • reduce duplication and ensure referral information is kept up to date
  • ensure patients are kept informed and supported while they wait

New arrangements for how referrals are made were introduced from 17 August on a phased basis. If you have any questions about what these changes might mean for you, please go to National Referral Support Service - AGEM Gender Services.

Referrals can continue to be made directly to the Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service (NRGDS), and they will be immediately forwarded on to the National Adult Gender Referral Support Service (GNRSS) for processing on to the national waiting list.

Alternatively, referrals from GPs or healthcare professionals can be submitted directly to the national waiting list by email to agem.agsreferrals@nhs.net   

From 1st October NRGDS will stop taking referrals. Instead, referrals will only be made directly to GNRSS.

Adult Gender Services are working with the National Improvement Network and GNRSS to better support patients and help reduce waiting times.

Answers to FAQs about this change

The Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service (NRGDS) is an NHS service for people who experience gender dysphoria. We are based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Our appointments are usually a mixture of face-to-face in the North East of England and remote, online or telephone appointments.

Self-referrals

To refer yourself to the Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service (NRGDS) you must:

  • Have a GP who has a surgery in England or Wales
  • Be eligible for treatment on the NHS
  • Be aged 18 years or older
  • Think that you may experience gender dysphoria

Some people are not sure if they experience gender dysphoria.

Some people are not sure if they want to have medical or psychological treatments to help them to manage their gender dysphoria.

We are happy to consider your self-referral even if you are not sure:

  • if what you are experiencing is gender dysphoria,
  • or if medical or psychological treatments are right for you.

You do not have to refer yourself; you can ask your GP to do it for you if you prefer. If you have already been referred and accepted into NRGDS, you do not need to self-refer.

If you fit the criteria described above and would like to refer yourself, please complete the self referral form below.

Self Referral form

If you’re supporting someone else to self-refer, you may find this easy read consent form useful. You must also complete the self referral form. 

Alternatively, you can contact NRGDS and ask us to post or email you the form. When you have completed the form, please return the form to us in one of the following ways:

  • Email: NRGDS@cntw.nhs.uk
  • Post to NRGDS, Benfield House, Walkergate Park Hospital, Benfield Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 4QD
  • Drop off a paper copy of the form at NRGDS in person.

We are receiving a lot of referrals at the moment , so there may be a delay in processing your referral. However, if you have not heard back from us within six weeks and want to check we have received it, please contact us.

Useful information to have to hand when completing the form
Before you complete the form, you will need to gather some information to help you.

You will need:

  • The surgery name and address of your GP
  • Your contact details including phone numbers and email address
  • Your NHS number (optional, but it really helps us if you can send it)

Please make sure that your contact details are correct.

Healthcare Professionals

If you are a healthcare professional referring someone to the Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service (NRGDS), please use the form below.

Referral form for Health Professionals