Raising awareness of transgender health and venous thromboembolism

Representatives from gtd healthcare and Indigo Gender Service have presented at a national conference in aid of Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Week and transgender health.

Sharon Collins, advanced clinical practitioner with a specialist interest in deep vein thrombosis, and Dr Luke Wookey, GP and clinical lead for Indigo Gender Service, were asked by Thrombosis UK to attend the event and share their expertise about venous thromboembolism risk and the signs and symptoms related to transgender health.

Dr Luke Wookey said the awareness week aims to inform the public and healthcare professionals of the causes, risk factors, signs/symptoms, and evidence-based prevention and treatment of thrombosis.

“Although it is recognised that there is an increased risk of venous thromboembolism in certain treatments used in transgender health, there is an absence of bespoke resources for transgender service users and healthcare professionals,” he said.

“Therefore, we worked together to create a flyer, which we showcased at the event to raise awareness of the type of resources that could be produced for patients.

“Being invited to present at the conference was a great opportunity to bridge the gap and encourage wider learning within primary care. We hope our presentation will prompt a national response so that there is equity for all.”

Sharon and Luke are working on producing a suite of resources that can be shared across primary care.

If you have any queries regarding the above, please email communications.gtd@nhs.net.