To keep your medical records accurate and linked to the national NHS system, we require formal notification of any name changes.

How the Process Works

We use a two-step digital process to update your surname or legal name:

• Step 1: Complete the 'Change of Details' form on our website.

• Step 2: Once we receive your form, a member of our team will send a secure link to your mobile phone. You can then use this link to take a photo of your supporting document and upload it directly to your record.

Important: Please ensure the mobile number you provide on the form is correct, as you will need this device to upload your evidence.

1. Changing Your First Name

You may change your first name at any time. Once you submit the online form, we can usually update your record immediately without further evidence.

2. Changing Your Surname (Last Name)

To update your surname, the NHS requires documentary evidence to create a clear audit trail. After submitting your form, you will be asked via SMS to upload one of the following:

• Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate: An original or certified copy.

• Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration: If you have changed your surname for any other legal reason.

Note: We do not require secondary photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence) to process a name change, provided you can supply one of the documents listed above.

3. Important Considerations

• The NHS Spine: Updating your name at the surgery will update your record on the National NHS 'Spine'. Your NHS number will remain the same.

• Hospital Records: Changes made at the GP surgery do not automatically update records held by hospitals. If you are currently undergoing treatment or awaiting an appointment, please notify the hospital department directly to ensure their records match.

If you wish to change the gender marker on your medical record, the NHS process involves creating a completely new medical identity. You do not need a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) or any medical transition history to request this.

1. The Process: A New NHS Number

The NHS system cannot simply toggle the gender on an existing file. To change your gender (Male to Female, or vice versa), the following must happen:

• Your current medical record will be closed.

• You will be issued with a completely new NHS number.

• You will be registered as a "new patient" under this new number.

2. What Happens to Your History?

Because the new record starts as a blank file, your history must be manually managed:

• Medical Record: Your new record will initially contain no consultations, test results, or immunisations. We will attach your previous history as a background document (redacted to remove your previous identity). This ensures clinicians can still provide safe care, though it may take slightly longer to access during a consultation.

• Medications: Your regular medications will be added to your new record by a clinician when you next request them. Once this is done, you can order repeats electronically as usual.

• Vaccinations: Past immunisations (including COVID-19) will not appear in the standard digital list. If you need proof of these, we can print a record for you, but it will display your birth gender and previous name.

3. Digital Access and the NHS App

If you use the NHS App or other online services, your old login will stop working once your old record is closed. You will need to set up a new account using your new NHS number and identity.

4. Timelines

• PCSE Processing: It can take up to 4 months for Primary Care Support England (PCSE) to process the request and issue a new NHS number. The surgery has no control over this national waiting time.

• Surgery Registration: Once we receive the new details, we aim to complete your new registration within a few working days.

5. Screening Invitations (Important)

Changing your gender marker will change which national screening programmes you are automatically invited to (e.g., cervical, breast, or AAA screening).

• You may stop receiving invitations for screenings you still require.

• You may start receiving invitations for screenings that are not physically relevant. We strongly recommend discussing this with a GP to ensure you are manually opted into the correct screenings for your needs.

6. Reverting Your Record

If you decide to return to your previous gender identity later, the NHS cannot "reactivate" your original NHS number. You would be issued with a third NHS number and a new record, repeating the process above.