This makes clear that GP practices will only prescribe and monitor treatments within their clinical competence and scope, and that such prescribing should follow formal shared care arrangements where applicable.
Template Paragraph for Inclusion in Letters to GICs
We would like to clarify that prescribing or monitoring of treatments initiated by Gender Identity Clinics (GICs) will only be undertaken within the competency and capacity of our practice team, and subject to nationally agreed shared care arrangements where these exist. As an NHS GP practice, we are not contractually or professionally obliged to take on prescribing initiated in a specialist service and will only do so where we are confident that this is safe, appropriate, and supported by local protocols. We advise patients accordingly and will direct them back to your service for ongoing management if needed.
Template Letter to Gender Identity Clinics
Your Practice letterhead
[DATE]
Dear [Name / Gender Identity Clinic team],
We are writing to clarify our position as a GP practice in relation to prescribing and monitoring responsibilities following referrals to your service.
In line with current NHS guidance and the principles set out by the BMA and GMC, GPs are not obliged to prescribe or monitor medications outside our clinical competence, or where adequate shared care arrangements are not in place. This includes treatments initiated or recommended by Gender Identity Clinics, especially where prescribing involves medicines unlicensed for the intended use, or where ongoing monitoring falls outside the scope of routine general practice.
We appreciate that many patients attending your clinic may expect or be advised that their GP will assume prescribing responsibility. However, we must ensure that any shared care arrangements are safe, clearly defined, and appropriate to the skill set of our clinicians. Where this is not the case, we will direct patients back to your service for prescribing and monitoring.
We would be grateful if your team could ensure that patients are made aware of this at the outset, to help manage expectations and reduce unnecessary distress or confusion.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Practice Name]