How can surgeons help transgender patients and colleagues feel welcome?

We welcome the recent Bulletin article which sets out useful information and advice to help surgeons be transgender inclusive.

RCS England aims to continually improve standards of surgical care and to embrace diversity by building an inclusive profession. We note the evidence that transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people face barriers to receiving care and that our LGBTQ+ colleagues experience reduced wellbeing and discrimination at work. We thank the authors of this paper, which supports our broader work towards the equitable treatment of women and minority groups in surgery.

Ginny Bowbrick, Chair of the RCS England Pride in Surgery Forum (PRiSM) and Council member said, “This paper offers a detailed review of national best practice in supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse patients and colleagues, and has undergone full peer review prior to publication. The authors have relevant personal experience of the subject matter and have produced this work pro bono publico. We are grateful to the College for their ongoing work to support LGBTQ+ colleagues, as well as women and other minority groups in surgery, in response to the 2021 report by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC.”

Read our statement on transgender patients and single-sex wards.