You have been referred to the Mersey Care Trans Support Service (TSS) based at Central Abacus, The Beat, 6 David Lewis Street, Liverpool L1 4AP.
This clinic is run by experienced therapists and offers individuals support with issues related to gender identity.
You should be aware that we have developed a long waiting list due to a period where there was no therapist in post. This has changed and we are hoping to address the waiting times as quickly as possible. We therefore we ask patients to opt-in to the service before being put on the list.
Please note that we have had to make changes to our working arrangements due to the coronavirus outbreak. This means we are only offering telephone and/or remote video appointments in the first instance. We will go back to offering face to face appointments again as soon as government guidance allows.
We would be grateful if you fill in your details below to let us know your choice. Alternatively you can ring us on 0151 247 6555.
If we have not heard from you within eight weeks from the date we receive your referral we will assume you do not wish to be seen at this time. Otherwise, the next time we contact you will be with an appointment time and date.
There are occasions when appointments are cancelled at short notice. Due to the high demand for appointments at this clinic we do our best not to waste them. In these cases, we go through the waiting list and telephone clients who have previously agreed that they can be contacted in this way until the appointment slot is filled. If this is something that you would like to be considered for, please add this information to the tear off slip or ring us on 0151 247 6555 and let us know your contact telephone number.
Waiting times at the National Gender Identity Clinics (GICs) are extremely long and with this in mind, if you think you might wish to be seen at a GIC in the future, we would strongly recommend that you ask your GP to make this referral as soon as possible in addition to your TSS referral.
Please note that currently we do not offer hormone prescriptions, and for the time being you should discuss this with your GP prior to being seen at a GIC.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Welcome to the Trans Support Service (TSS) provided by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. The following information outlines the service that we offer and where it fits into the local gender dysphoria pathway.
Our Trans Support Service supports transgender, and gender non-conforming people living in Liverpool by listening to them, informing them of available options to relieve their gender distress and empowering them to move forward with their lives. You can usually be referred to the service by your GP, but you may also self-refer.
There is currently a significant waiting list for this service. Following the appointment of a new therapist, this is now reducing. However, if your GP is considering making a referral to the service on your behalf, please advise your GP that you wish to be referred to a Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) at the same time, and let them know your preferred clinic. If you are referring yourself to the Trans Support Service, and you also wish to be referred to a GIC and have not already been referred, please ask your GP to make the referral. This will minimise delay in accessing your preferred GIC.
When you are offered appointments with the Trans Support Service, you can expect up to four hour long sessions with an experienced Therapist/Counsellor.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you will not be invited to attend face-to-face appointments, but will instead be offered video call contact via Attend Anywhere, or, if you prefer, telephone appointments.
Each person who accesses the service will have different hopes for what they might get out of their sessions. You might want to talk about your personal history, and how your gender identity has impacted upon your life, including the impact of transitioning upon partners, family and friends. You may consider your life goals, obstacles to progress, and strengths and resources that might be employed to overcome them. Some people who access the service want information about other available services, and assistance with referrals to them. You can set your unique agenda with the therapist.
The therapist may be able to make referrals directly to support agencies that are available to assist with difficulties relating to housing, employment, addiction or substance use; or relationship or sexual problems. They may also support your GP with any onward referral to a gender identity clinic and associated funding application if appropriate, and with signposting you to other local Trans specific support agencies.
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team
Telephone: 0151 471 2377
Freephone: 0800 328 2941
Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk
To request the leaflet in an alternative format or language please contact the Equality and Diversity Team.
Telephone: 0151 472 7458
Email: equality2@merseycare.nhs.uk