A good practice guide for transgender health has been released. The document is the result of the efforts of a working group at the Counties Manukau District Health Board, which set about to improve access to information and treatment for trans people, as well as provide a guide for medical practitioners who are not confident or have little experience in working with trans people. "By following this guide, simple trans care can be provided adequately and safely in primary care," the paper promises. The guide offers principles of care for trans people, current best practice for hormone therapy treatment, and information about access surgery. "Trans patients put a lot of stock into having a 'trans friendly' GP who treats them with dignity and respect. While this often means having a sensitive and caring approach, and addressing the person by their preferred gender, it also means being sensitive clinically and in terms of management, including the receptionist and records processes," the executive summary reads. "Trans patients require specialist input, but the GP is often at the centre of ongoing treatment and monitoring, therefore a sensitive approach is needed for such patients." The guide also includes a section that addresses the specific needs of children and young people. You can read the full guide here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 2nd August 2011 - 1:38pm