Healthwatch York wants to understand trans, nonbinary and intersex people’s good and bad experiences of local health services as part of a wider project. The local health champion is working with a number of local organisations including Generate, York LGBT Forum, York Disability Rights Forum and healthcare providers in the city to understand how health services are supporting trans and nonbinary people and what could be improved.
There are three surveys to capture the experiences of people, their friends and family and to hear from healthcare professionals about what is working and what could be better. The project aims to develop recommendations for all healthcare providers, learning from people’s experiences and other places in England.
 
Siân Balsom, Healthwatch York Manager, said:
We have heard about significant challenges and long waiting times for trans, nonbinary and intersex people trying to access healthcare services locally. This could be as simple as an appointment with a GP or consultant or about accessing more specialised treatment and support. We want to better understand people’s experiences and ideas for what could be better.
 
Jake Furby, chair of the York LGBT Forum added:
“We are proud to support this project as it aligns with our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. We believe that understanding and addressing the unique needs of trans, nonbinary, and intersex individuals is crucial for creating a more supportive and understanding community. By participating in this project, we can help amplify the voices that often go unheard and ensure that their experiences are acknowledged and valued.”
 
Tess Johnston, Head of Operations at York Medical Group said:
“At York Medical Group we are committed to providing compassionate, inclusive care for all our patients. We welcome this work by Healthwatch York to better understand the experiences of trans, nonbinary and intersex people. Listening to our patients and learning from their feedback is vital in helping us improve our services and ensure equitable access to healthcare for everyone in our community.”
The closing date for all surveys is 31 October
 
Paper copies of the survey can be requested by contacting the Healthwatch York office: by email at healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk or by phone 01904 621133. People can also call to talk through the questions with a member of the team if they would prefer to do this. For anyone who does not want to complete the survey but wants to leave anonymous feedback please visit
https://whispermeter.com/feedback/TNBi2025