About Waterside Clinic

Is Waterside Clinic a GP practice or a specialist gender clinic?
Waterside Clinic is a specialist gender clinic for adults aged 18 and over. We provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and support for people experiencing gender dysphoria or gender incongruence.

In addition, some of our clinicians can provide limited GP services for existing patients where appropriate, but our primary focus is transgender healthcare.

 

What age groups do you treat?
Waterside Clinic only sees adults aged 18 years and over. We do not provide services for children or young people under 18.

 

Who are your clinicians?
Our multidisciplinary team includes experienced GPs, psychiatrists and psychologists who are all who are gender specialists with extensive experience in transgender healthcare, NHS services and private practice. All of our clinicians are members of relevant recognised professional bodies including BAGIS, the GMC, HCPC and the British Psychological Society.

 

Can I see your clinicians’ professional registrations?
Yes.

All doctors are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and all psychologists are appropriately registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Professional registration details are available in the About Us section and on the relevant regulator’s public register.

 

Clinical Standards & Safety

How does Waterside Clinic assess patients before treatment?
Before hormone treatment is considered, patients undergo a comprehensive assessment process which includes:

• A detailed initial assessment
• Review of medical history
• Review of mental health history
• NHS GP summary review
• A second opinion from a psychiatrist or psychologist
• Blood tests and clinical investigations where required

Treatment is only considered once assessments have been completed and it is clinically appropriate to proceed.

 

Do you assess for mental health conditions, neurodiversity, trauma or other factors?
Yes.

Our assessments explore a person’s wider health, wellbeing and life circumstances. This may include discussion of mental health, neurodevelopmental conditions, trauma history, family relationships, support networks and other relevant factors.

Where appropriate, additional assessments or specialist input may be recommended before treatment decisions are made.

 

Do you discuss fertility before treatment?
Yes.

Fertility implications are discussed as part of the assessment and informed consent process. Where relevant, patients are encouraged to consider fertility preservation options before starting treatment.

 

How are patients monitored after starting treatment?
Patients are reviewed regularly by their clinician and undergo ongoing blood monitoring. Reviews are typically every three months until treatment is stable, after which intervals may be extended depending on clinical need.

 

Do you follow recognised clinical guidelines?
Yes.

Our clinicians practise in accordance with applicable UK professional standards, prescribing guidance, GMC requirements and current evidence-based approaches to transgender healthcare.

Because medicine evolves over time, clinical decisions are always individualised to the patient’s circumstances.

 

Family & Supporters FAQ

Can parents, partners or family members attend appointments?
Yes.

We actively encourage patients to bring supportive family members, partners, friends or loved ones to appointments if they wish.

Supportive involvement can often help patients feel more comfortable and informed throughout their care journey.

However, attendance is always at the patient’s discretion and cannot be mandated.

 

Can family members discuss a patient with Waterside Clinic?
For adult patients, confidentiality is a fundamental part of healthcare.

We cannot confirm or deny whether someone is a patient of the clinic, nor can we discuss an individual’s care without their explicit consent.

 

Will Waterside Clinic contact family members before treatment begins?
For adult patients, treatment decisions are made directly with the patient.

We do not contact family members without patient consent. However, we encourage patients to involve trusted supporters where appropriate.

 

What if family members have concerns or questions?
We recognise that family members may have questions about transgender healthcare and may be unfamiliar with the assessment and treatment process.

We encourage open, respectful and supportive conversations. Where appropriate, we can direct families towards educational resources and independent counselling or support services that may help them better understand their loved one’s experience.

 

Do you provide support for families?
While our primary responsibility is to the patient, we recognise that transition can affect family relationships.

We may be able to signpost family members to therapists and support organisations with experience in gender identity, family relationships and LGBTQ+ issues.

 

Can I request further information about clinical governance or prescribing?
Patients are welcome to contact the clinic with specific governance or prescribing questions. We are committed to safe, transparent and evidence-based care and will provide appropriate information where relevant.

 

Information for Families, Partners and Supporters
Supporting someone exploring their gender identity can bring questions, uncertainty and sometimes concern.

Many family members worry about making mistakes or saying the wrong thing. Others may feel they do not fully understand what their loved one is experiencing.

At Waterside Clinic, we encourage respectful curiosity, open communication and ongoing support. While every individual’s journey is unique, people generally benefit from feeling listened to, valued and supported by those around them.

We encourage family members to ask questions, seek reliable information and access support for themselves when needed.

Because all our patients are adults, treatment decisions are made collaboratively between the patient and their clinician. Confidentiality is an essential part of healthcare and helps ensure patients can discuss sensitive matters openly and honestly.

If you would like support in understanding gender identity or navigating changes within your family relationships, we can suggest organisations, therapists and support services with experience in working with transgender people and their families.