Would you please tell me which groups you have consulted regarding care of transgender patients and/or the formation of transgender policy and/or that provide your staff training on transgender patient care/policies.

The Trusts Trans Policy was initially consulted on and formulated by the team at UHB prior to the merger with HEFT. Following the merger, colleagues at Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospitals (HGS) ensured relevance for the specialities they had that were not present at UHB prior to the merger, such as maternity and paediatrics.

Our key consultation partners were Birmingham LGBT (BLGBT) and Stonewall, who provided advice and guidance on wording, and enabled direct consultation with Trans people at BLGBT. Key training was carried out by specialist Trans trainers from BLGBT.

Once the policy was formulated our staff networks were included for comment and addition, followed by our normal process for policy consultation which goes to wider staff groups and Staff side organisations, before final approval at the Trusts Policy Review Group.

A Trans Policy Working Group was establish to advise on the creation of the policy, in regards to the appropriateness and relevance of the contents, consisting of key stakeholders from within the Trust, Trans staff, and allies. The Trust also consulted with Mermaids, a third party organisation who specialise in the care and support of Trans children and young people.

Would you please specify also if you have consulted any groups or individuals representing other patients protected under the Equality Act 2010 with regard to the impact on those groups of transgender policies, specifically under the characteristics sex, age and religion or belief.

We have also consulted with Birmingham South Asian LGBT.