Role of a Gender Identity Specialist Nurse Easy Read

This guide will explain the role of the nurse within the Leeds Gender Identity Service.

What is a gender identity specialist nurse?

Cartoon-style illustration of a nurse wearing a light blue uniform top with pockets, a badge, and pens, paired with black trousers. The figure stands facing forward with arms slightly out to the sides. The word ‘nurse’ appears in bold text above the illustration.

A gender identity specialist nurse is the person you will see most during your time with the service. They help to plan your care, and you can speak to them about any worries you have.

What will happen at my first appointment?

Cartoon-style illustration of a nurse sitting at a table with a person. The nurse is holding a clipboard and pen, appearing to carry out an assessment or discussion. Both are seated on wooden chairs facing each other across the table.

Your first appointment with your nurse is in person. The assessment is to find out about you.

Cartoon-style illustration of a nurse sitting at a table with a person. The nurse is holding a clipboard and pen as if preparing to ask questions. The words ‘ask you questions’ appear above the illustration in bold text.

They will ask questions about:

your childhood,
what you do day to day,
your gender history,
your mental health and physical health,
if you have experienced any trauma,
any risks to yourself of others.

What will happen after my assessment?

Cartoon-style illustration of a doctor wearing a white coat and holding a stethoscope. The doctor is standing and the word ‘doctor’ appears above the image in bold text.

After your assessment, you will have an appointment with a doctor to see if it is possible to confirm a gender dysphoria diagnosis.

How often will my named professional see me for follow up appointments?

Cartoon-style calendar showing all twelve months in boxes. The months April, May, June, July, August, and September are circled in green.

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, you will have appointments with your named professional every six months and sometimes more if you need.

How will I know when my follow up appointments are?

Cartoon-style image showing different ways to contact someone. It includes an envelope with a stamp, a mobile phone, a rotary landline telephone, and a computer mouse with an email symbol. The word ‘contact’ appears in bold text above the images.

You will receive a letter in the post, an email and / or text message reminders about your appointment, depending on what contact method you prefer.

Where do I attend follow up appointments?

Cartoon-style illustration of a person holding a telephone receiver to their ear, smiling while making a phone call. The word ‘phone’ appears above the image in bold text.

Cartoon-style illustration of two people sitting at opposite sides of a desk, facing each other. Green arrows between them show that they are having a conversation or exchanging information.

Cartoon-style illustration showing three computer screens connected with green arrows, representing a group video call. Each screen shows a person on a video call interface, along with smaller images of other participants.

Appointments can be attended on the telephone, in person, or online video call.