MEANWHILE, HE IS HAVING A WONDERFUL RETIREMENT, AND HAS HAD A GREAT CAREER WORKING WITH YOU ALL. ALL THESE COMMENTS HAVE MEANT SO MUCH TO HIM.
--
Dr. Russell Reid, who had long been a world renowned psychiatrist for transsexual people, experienced a several week trial by the General Medical Council during October 2006.
The message from the wider trans trans community was simple and there for all to see. In the eyes of many countless patients, he still holds the title as a world renowned psychiatrist whose warmth and compassion for real patient centred care of his patients, cannot be brow beaten by the clear jealous intent of professionals who have no other power than to simply follow the leader of the pack.
The Message is clear! Thanks for saving lives, Dr Reid..!!
Regardless of the GMC findings, the testimonies of hundreds, if not thousands of happy and satisfied transsexual people treated by Dr Reid is no feat to be beaten when compared to the testimonies of 5 unhappy people and Charing Cross Psychiatrists.
What if this were an orbituary..!!
There could only be one truly respected professional. The words of support say it all.
There are few places for the trans community and their allies to leave their messages of support and respect to Dr Russell Reid, and, there's never been more of a need for a place on the web for the GMC panel and Reid's opponents to see the evidence that he has saved the lives of many trans people, treated them with respect and left them with the dignity they deserve.
Having experienced his treatment, many trans people know all too well his methods to be humane, responsible and the best care possible.
What does 'Uncle' Russell say?
Dr. Reid says that he "will read messages whether good or bad", and adds that he "may not be able to respond, and if he "knows where to reply, such as via email," then he will! He also said that he was "grateful for the support given."
He says that all these messages has restored his faith in humanity. He keeps a folder of all comments posted, and from time to time, he reads them and this raises his spirits. The messages and positive feedback have meant so much.
432 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 432 Newer› Newest»I give my full support to Dr Russell Reid . He has helped so many people achieve a normal life.It is not right that he should be treated in this way . There are so many in the transgender community that love him because he gave hope when before there was none
Four years after transition at work and two years post-op, it is clear that transition was the right thing for me. I am more successful in a better job, and a long term relationship- I could not sustain relationships before transition. I am living not just surviving. One year before transition at work, it was not at all clear that it was right for me. A specialist, now retired, told me unequivocally “You are not transsexual”, perhaps because I did not present The Script I had been told at the TV/TS club. I came away from my first appointment at Charing Cross and spent two hours on the phone to the Samaritans, weeping- when I saw the psychiatrist again, he brushed it off, saying that he was not a mind-reader, and that his maiden aunt had been wrong when he decided to specialise in psychiatry to believe he would know what she was thinking. I could not bear to go there again. I was confused and could hardly trust my own judgment: I tried to stay presenting male for as long as I could bear it.
I needed hormones to support my transition before taking the plunge at work, which scared me- I thought I would be sacked. I got the support I needed from Dr Reid.
I might not be here without that support. I was suicidal. I am not suicidal any more.
I resent the fact that I have had to pay for the life-saving treatment I have received, and could not get it on the NHS.
Abigail Maxwell.
Although I have not been treated by Dr. Reid I had the pleasure of meeting him before I started on the road of transition. He took me seriously, was very helpful and was genuinely interested in what I had to say.
This meant so much to me at a time when I could not see how anything was ever going to be tolerable. He gave me hope and gave me the strength to keep striving for my goal.
Thank you
Daniel Fowler
I heartily concur with Steve (Selena) Johnson's 7:05PM comments above... thank you Steve (Selena) Johnson for your endeavors to put GMC v Dr Russell in a calming, sensible and real perspective...
I heartily concur with Steve (Selena) Johnson's 7:05PM comments above... thank you Steve (Selena) Johnson for your endeavors to put GMC v Dr Russell in a calming, sensible and real perspective...
Hi Dr Reid,
I just want you to know that you helped me enormously when I first met you in 95. I am 8 years post op now, and very happy with it. Stable home, good job, many friends, loving family, loving boyfriend. I found out who I was and I now live my life true and free. My choices in life were helped and carefully guided by your professional advice. There is no way to thank you enough, and thanks to my surgeon too. I hope you get the outcome from the GMC that you wish for...I believe that you deserve it.
LV, London
Hi Dr Reid,
I just want you to know that you helped me enormously when I first met you in 95. I am 8 years post op now, and very happy with it. Stable home, good job, many friends, loving family, loving boyfriend. I found out who I was and I now live my life true and free. My choices in life were helped and carefully guided by your professional advice. There is no way to thank you enough, and thanks to my surgeon too. I hope you get the outcome from the GMC that you wish for...I believe that you deserve it.
LV, London
My wife, children and I wish to thank Dr Reid for all the help he gave me during my transition. There were several times when just knowing he was there, willing, eager and able to help got me through the hard times, stopping me doing "something stupid". I owe my now productive peacefull and above all happy life to Dr Reid's care. Thank You
Dear Dr Reid,
Best of luck in the GMC hearing.
I imagine this is a distressing event for you but I hope you take heart from all of the heartfelt gratitude and respect for you in the trans community.
I too have nothing but respect, admiration and thanks for you and the sympathetic/professional manner in which you treated me.
It seems absurd that the GMC is considering dubious evidence from so few people when you have effectively treated hundreds (if not thousands?) of trans people in your career.
It is no exaggeration to say that you are a life-saver, a pioneer and a true professional.
You will no doubt be interested and pleased to know that I am recovering well from my GRS, which was done privately by James Bellringer. I am simply over the moon right now!
Thank you very, very much and best of luck Dr Reid.
Christina Alley
Russell's only crime was to be a man who genuinely cared for the people he saw, and wanted to help them. After years of dead end tying to use an NHS route I went to see Russell, that day changed my life, the years of emotiobal turmoil and hurt receeded and i'm happier now than I have ever been.
Russell deserves a medal for his work, not to be treated like some charlatan.
Jo. C Birmingham
If it were not for your help I dread to think where i would be now.
Thank you :)
It is indeed correct that one case of professional misconduct may be sufficient to have a doctor removed from the Register, and all the cases in which the doctor has helped his patients will not stop that. However, transsexual people are badly treated by many doctors, by PCTs, and by NHS GICs. We are in a particularly powerless situation, we are terrified to complain in case our treatment gets even worse, and after transition we just want to put it all behind us- complaining would inhibit us from moving on.
In these circumstances, a psychiatrist who provided the correct, appropriate treatment to save lives- hormones used as a diagnostic tool before transition, is up before the GMC on wholly untypical cases. Psychiatrists within the NHS who have blighted lives and perhaps precipitated suicide by witholding such treatment are allowed to continue to practice. The result may be that people do not get the treatment they need, because doctors can be punished for giving it in the few cases where it is inappropriate. Doctors are not in practice punished for refusing that treatment to those who need it.
Abigail Maxwell
Dear Dr. Reid.
I was one of your patients during - 1987/88, and would like to add my support also. Your diagnosis, treatment and support was exemplary, properly conducted, and without doubt, resulted in the correct outcome. It has allowed me to live for the past eighteen years with peace of mind, and to concentrate on getting on with my life - much more interesting than being the preoccupied, depressed and extremely negative individual that I was!
Perhaps others should be learning from you and your experience rather than reacting as they have - I and others like me should be regarded as first hand proof that your approach to the subject of transgenderism is successful. If others in any walk of life had so many THOUSANDS of successes in their work in relation to so few failures, they would probably be regarded as Captains of Industry!
Bon courage!
Anne Robinson (No - not that one!)
I am only just starting out on the long road to becoming my true self after many years of pain and hardship while I came to terms with my condition. I didn't want to be TS - I was just born with this condition and now feel that I have to do something about it.
I am a professional engineer and I am used to being treated by my colleagues and friends with respect and dignity. I would expect nothing less from health care professionals. I have heard too many bad reports about the treatment meted out by CHX and so many good reports about you. How I wish you were still practising and I could be one of your patients.
I do hope Richard Curtis is as caring and friendly as you are. I have heard good reports from a couple of his patients so I too hope to be treated by him with respect and dignity.
I wish you well and hope that you have a successful outcome from this ordeal that the GMC has seen fit to put you through. If they win, I fear this will put the treatment of people with my condition back many years and force many of us abroad to more enlightened medical regimes.
Take care, and fingers crossed
Jennifer XXX
The service you provided to the transsexual community for many years is invaluable. My personal experience of your professional role was a good one - you did not rush into anything and ensured that I was fully aware of all potential side effects and complications of the treatments you adminsitered/prescribed yourself. Your professional behaviour was exemplary - you were attentive and approachable, non-judgmental and thorough in your diagnostic assessment of me as a patient. I am disappointed with the behaviour of the medical profession as a whole as regards your case and hope that the GMC will see sense and uphold your right to move beyond the textbook in dealing with a complex field in which you have a wealth of experience. Best Wishes.
I just hope the BMA can open their hearts, to see the person who you really are. The joy and new found life you have brought and given to possibly thousands of patients
Take care and good luck in this ridiculous trial
Andrea xx S Wales
I was a patient of Dr Russell Reid in 2005 and found him to be extremely thorough and organised in his assessment of me, writing copious notes as he did so (unlike most doctors!) and checking that I had had enough therapy and allowing time in between appointments to consider the huge step I was taking. He explained and ensured that I was familiar with the effects of the treatment I was about to embark on. I found him to be very experienced and professional in his approach and treated me at all times with respect and understanding. I could not have put myself in the hands of a better doctor.
Dear Russell,
Although I have never been a patient of yours, I have had the honour of meeting you on occasions, and talking to you at length, as well as sitting in on one of your consultations with a friend of mine under your care.
Whenever we have met, I have always been impressed at your depth of knowledge, compassion, and understanding for those with gender identity problems. Through my ownership of NuttycaTS I have witnessed the positive outcome of your helping many hundreds of people who came to you, and am in no doubt whatsoever that you have, literally, saved countless lives, and given hope to many many more.
As is shown by this blog, you are held deeply in the hearts of many people, especially so at this time. It is very very sad, and I feel a great travesty of justice, to see that the GMC is holding you, one of the leading lights in the Trans medicine field, to account.
Be strong, and let our love carry you through.
Alison,
Webowner,
NuttycaTS.com
As I said to you during a consultation, "you are not a mind reader" you can only go off information given to you by your patient.As you are aware there are many out there that do not look into themselves deeply before considering consultation. It is so easy to pick up from others to say the right things in a consultation - I have had many ask me what I said to you and other gender consultants I have seen, but I would only tell them to speak from their own hearts.
I think this is such an injustice, and you are just being made an example of by those who are jealous of the respect you have achieved by girls like myself for your help and support.If the others at Charing cross had an ounce of the understanding and compassion you have shown, transition would be a lot easier for all of us.
Take care Russell, and good luck with your case.
Courteney Walsh, Manchester
Hi Doc,
In Australia your name is synonimous with fair and timely treatment and we strive to get the professionals here to emulate your system of treating the disease and not the symptoms.
I sincerely hope your case is an example of "the biter bit" - CHX appear to have alienated a lot of peopel by their poor patient treatment and hoop jumping tactics.
Keep up the old chin and give 'em what for
Jenny (Post op )
I went to see Russell in October 2002 and I haven’t looked back. My life has improved immeasurably since transitioning. I am so glad I didn’t have to do the ridiculously protracted ‘real life test’ and thank Russell for recognising that I was advanced in terms of my realisation of my male identity.
In effect I had been doing the real life test as female for 30 odd years and I was definitely not happy with having a female body.
I had been in psychotherapy for a couple of years and basically had an epiphany that I should have been born male. It all suddenly made so much sense. Also If I’d known what was possible earlier I am sure I would have asked for help much earlier.
Thank God I wasn’t put through the humiliating and unnecessary two-year real life test, although now I hear that this has been reduced.
Essentially we as transsexuals know ourselves better than anyone else. Psychiatrists can only go on what people tell them. As everyone knows treatment for transsexualism is highly successful and to delay treatment just for the sake of a minuscule number of people who are unsure is cruel.
I suspect that NHS psychiatrists would have also treated the few people who have complained as well.
Russell, I sincerely hope you are cleared completely of all these charges.
Charlie Kiss
You would have been the guy I would have gone to if I had the means to. In my opinion I think it is absolutely diabolicale. What they are doing to some one that is well respected and thought of, In a socity that has to fight to get the right help. You are there and this is the appreciation you are getting for it. you don't deserve it. I wish you all the best and good luck
Liam Wright Northampton
Dr Russell Reid , you were the only person who treated me as a human being ,with dignity and respect & so I can only offer my own sincere thanks and gratitude for your professionalism when compared to other so called professionals that I have endured along the way who didn't treat me with even an ounce of respect or humanity. It's a strange world indeed when a caring professional is brought to account for being just that.
My best wishes and thanks.
Steve aka Selena - this is a place for messages of support for RR. Not a discussion forum on whether you think he's guilty or not. I;d suggest you have probably never met him from your post.
For many of us - possibly thousands - Russell has been a lifesaver who helped us when the NHS turned its back on us.
If you have nothing positive to say I do wih you'd not post here at all.
Melanie
The "girls" I have known who have consulted with Dr. Russell Reid don't have any regrets. You have to be aware that they had thought long and hard before seeking his advice. Many of us think about these things and choose not to do anything, but what worries me is if the option to talk with an experienced medical person is simply not available people like them will in future seek to achieve their personal goals via internet purchases. In other words they will be at great risk and devoid of medical supervision. I cannot see how Dr.Russell Reid has in any way taken hasty decisions. These people have not only waited very many years but have thought long and hard before seeking medical advice. Caution is needed and I see no reason why the use of a second opinion should not satisfy those who have brought this case. However those who seek grounds for abuse of medical standards charges or suggestion of professional mis-conduct need to support their reason for taking action and not following other procedures by answering to what damaging effects removing Dr. Russell Reid will have and to make clear why they seek to stop him helping patients in the future and to answer the question for what purpose do they seek to place Dr. Russell Reid in a position where he is subjected to action liable to damage his reputation. How little care do these people show to a man dedicated to caring for so many.
Without Doctor Russel Reid many girls would cease to exist, he has helped many girls over the years in many ways.He is a kind understanding caring man More positives than negatives.
Thanks Russell im very satified.
I would like to join the many others in thanking Russell for the support that he gave me at the time that I needed it.
It is hard to express in words the huge range of possibilities that were opened up by the efficient and prompt treatment that Russell gave to me. Many doors were opened to me, doors that would have remained closed and opportunities lost had my treatment been drawn out over a longer period. Memorable examples include being able to play football in the Women’s Premier league – before I became too old, refereeing in an FA Ladies County Cup final and joining the Army as a female soldier before I reached the upper limit.
I have also had the renewed confidence to gain a professional qualification and to successfully progress my career. None of this would have been possible without Russell and for this I will always be grateful.
In hindsight there were risks in the treatment strategy that I selected. But I was fully aware of these risks and for me they were an acceptable set of risks to run and sufficient safeguards were in place so that none materialised.
It is now 8 years since I transitioned and I can honestly say that there has not been a single occasion when I have regretted the decision that I made and this is a testament to Russell’s thoroughness.
Kim Humberstone
Dr Russell Reid,
I wish you well during this difficult time. Here in australia many states have access to treatment through a general practitioner.
I affirmed my identity many years ago, my only regret is that i was unable to find a genunie and caring doctor earlier in life.
Marcus
Convenor Men's Australian Netowrk.
Dear Dr Reid
Thank you for looking after us, treating us with respect and dignity and following the Harry Benjamin Guidelines in the way it seems they were intended- as a guideline (the clue is in the title, otherwise surely it would be the Harry Benjamin Rules).
Having waited nearly 2 years for my appointment at CCH, I was then insulted and treated like an idiot and a liar. I left there more upset than I think I've ever been. Being told I'd have to wait another 4 months for a second appointment seemed cruel at that point.
In contrast I had an appointment with you 2 weeks after I phoned up and was treated with respect the whole time. We not only discussed whether this was the right diagnosis, but how it would be possible to transition while still working.
I left that appointment reassured, informed, relieved and elated, and knowing that any further appointments would be equally interesting and useful, rather than something to dread and endure.
I have every respect for you as a doctor, and also think you are a lovely man. I have no regrets about how I was treated in the private sector.
Thank you Russell
As a clinical psychotherapist I have referred patients more than once to you. I certainly would not have done this had I had anything but the greatest respect for you. Your way of working may not be the same as those at ChX, but I am convinced that they are far more effective and cause much less trauma than theirs. It's also interesting to note that certain ChX psychs have different approaches to 'guidelines' when treating patients privately than they do for their nhs patients.
There can only be one judgement in your case and that is that you are totally innocent of any misdemeaners.
Perhaps the RCPsych will take a closer look at the working of ChX when your name is cleared.
With very best wishes
Emma Martin
One thing that seems to have been forgotten in the reports of the proceedings that I have seen is that Dr. Reid has medical support for his policy of prescribing hormones...
I recall Sheila Kirk MD herself a specialist in transgender medicinewhen she was Secretary-Treasurer of the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, writing in a popular transgender publication praising Dr Reid's approach as introducing a new diagnostic test at an early stage.
I havealways found Dr. Reid to be courteous, professional and caring.
I wish him the best of luck in defending himself and I hope he can show that the charges have been brought unreasonably and vexatiously.
what can i say people like your self will be missed by trans gender people like me you have a wounderful out look on TGs and when the medical council land back on the real world a see what you have done for so maney people then and only then may they understand what a waste of NHS cash has been thrown away by this stupid case keep your chin up we care what happens and so may of us will support you all the way good hunting as i for one would very happly do my transition with you at the wheel xx
Dear Krystyna
Would you please pass my best wishes to the good doctor.
I haven't met him, but I see from my position as moderator at transgenderzone.com's "tzone" forum that he is very popular and has helped a great many of us. I don't doubt that I could benefit from his expertise.
My name is Irene Bujman and I'm from Wedmore in Somerset. I'm MtF and one year in transition.
Feel free to edit this message if you wish to publish my sentiments. My identity is not a secret either.
I pray that none of the mud sticks.
With my kindest regards,
Reenie
Well Russell – You have certainly landed yourself right into the middle of the hornets nest this time, haven’t you! When I heard of your predicament this morning my very first thought was to contact you and offer my support in WHAT-EVER manner that could be most effective! After some thought and some trial and error, I was able to Google your name and at last found myself on this site. I will accept this as an adequate beginning! I will say also that I am prepared to do anything which you may find helpful – to include coming back to the UK and offer all my support in person. I am grieved to hear the allegations and voices of unhappy, desperate individuals which are now being raised against your work.
The practice of guiding and being guided by such clients who seek gender reassignment is by far the most inexact “science” in all of the Behavioral Science fields which could ever is attempted, given the overwhelming limitations we operate with and under as a direct result to the massive holes created by our own language and the use/non-use therein. It is the ONLY area where the patient must first become aware of and then approach their own diagnosis. The first outward step comes as the candidate then reaches out to the professional, either hoping to be validated or rejected by this outside “authority”. Then the practitioner’s task is to help to apply the proper questions to answers already solidified - in many cases - by the individual. At the very best, in the most straight forward scenario, this offers monumental holes to fall into and each success story is much like a “good landing” that could be categorized simply as “one you can walk away from”! For both the patient as well as the practitioner, to enter into this “dance” requires more trust and heroism then every day life will ever extract form the majority of the population!
With all this said I am required by an adherence to the truth, fueled with facts and observations that it is my considered opinion and view, after following Dr. Reid’s carrier over the years, both from the prospective of a colleague and as an individual who continues to be blessed by the system (which is what in reality is under attack here) to have been privileged to be a witness of a masterful, empathetic, caring and above all – professional carrier demonstrated through an overwhelming concern for the welfare of his patients. I would not hesitate to call upon Dr. Reid for his highly regarded and multi-facetted depth of education, experience and intuitive consideration in this as well as other associated fields!
In Humility and Respect,
Dr. NapéWastéWiñ
Gayle P,
Six years ago I had SrS, all I can say is a very big thank you for guiding me and supporting me through a very confusing time of my life, to a sucessful end.
A truly caring and understanding person, who I thank right from the bottom of my heart, many of my friends agree that you are a wonderful man for what you did for us all !.
I am a real girl outsider but as with a lot of issues within the medical community it seems to me that the GMC often take one set of circumstances and use it as a test case to make it appear that they are doing something about a topic. I have no knowledge of the Doctor in question or his case apart from the links supplied.
If common sense is used then it should be plain that the most useful thing the GMC can do is to train GP's properly so that a TS can go along and expect to be treated as a person with a medical condition rather than a "weirdo." If the medical establishment were more supportive the self prescribing and purchasing of possibly badly made and possibly incorrect combinations of drugs online wouldn't be necessary.
I fully understand the GMC stand point that guidelines are needed and I support the slow progression towards such drastic surgery and I agree that psychological assesment is needed but unless a guideline states a minimum time period before which surgery cannot be performed a Doctor cannot be blamed for trying to get people who are fully determined to go ahead with surgery processed quickly.
Sadly there will always be people for whom the end result will not be what they expected it to be.
I am very concerned that the adverse publicity in this case may be used to undo the mood of tolerance that has currently appeared to exist in the media. Over and above the details of the case and whether or not the Doctor is struck off it worries me that the outcome may lead to further problems and red tape for those people trying to transition, when in fact it should be the catalyst for positive changes to the system.
Dr Reid, your professionalism & expertise in your field puts others to shame. Having suffered at the hands of the medical profession & so called experts in the past I was reassured by the support & understanding you provided to me. Following surgery in late 1999 I now live with my new partner as his wife & as stepmum to two woderful children , all this as well as working full time too. I now have a full life & not a half life. I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without your help. Your retirement is a great loss to Transsexual & Intersexed people in the UK. Best wishes.
Carol. (London)
to suzzanne w we are in the 21st century the Beaumont brotherhood term of RG isnt relavant today ( and many of us find it truly offensive that you seem to think you are more real than any of the women here who actually knew Russell not just as our Dr but our friend ! (some of us 20 or 30 years after we had ceased to be patients !
Suzzanne w (possibly wobs )your beaumont terms are especially offensive with the introduction of the Gender recognition act 2004
which Russell helped formulate along with Dr Lynne Jones Steve Whittle et al
dear Russell i wouldnt worry it has been alleged all this is the rantings of someone with a severe bi-polar disorder
just carry on being you from many patients of Stealth UK
best wishes Tracey
In Support of Russell Reid
Saturday 28 October 2006
I had visited, your clinic in 1990, when a local psychiatrist, had well and truly made a mess of assesing me. The, best way to descibe, that medical person would be. Bigot, with a capital B, it didn't take Russell Reid very long to write back to, my GP. Which was a good read. If I remember, you sent me a copy, and treated me like a human being, and not an inhuman, freak, from outaspace.
As far as I know its my resposibliity, to look after my own health.
I would, still like to know, what Russell Reid has done with an A1 size drawing in black and white 'The Lonely Man' bought from me. Maybe he has forgotten about it, and the exhibition at the London Institute of Human Behaviour as it was called then. It belongs with a much larger painting, previously shown at the Mall Galleries 1975, The Mall, London.
His choice of that picture, told me, something about him.
When others find out about our, medical history, somehow all of a sudden we are not any good at anything. Not so with Russell Reid.
Do, hope you,have looked after that picture, Russell Reid, it was in a terrible frame. Hence the low price, I dont know if you are still the present owner either.
Having, had more solo exhibitions,
since then the prices have gone up. Its been impossible to make, contact, so I am still quoting. Russell Reid as the owner in my CVs and catalogue.
Can't comment, on the people who regret, gender reassignment, they must be very few. In my opinion, they appear, to wan't to achieve that particular situation. So,
maybe we could, see some research on how that happens?
We have heard of this happening, in Charing Cross Hospital. We never get to read about it, in real, documentary, terms, is this, published in medical literature?
Anyway Russell, its not so bad as being a suspected terrorist, held in a high security, NHS psychiatric hospital. Or Abu Grab You Gaol Iraq.
www.hastingsarts.net/artistspage.php?artist=34
Yours Best Wishes Allena Tyrrell
In Support of Russell Reid
Saturday 28 October 2006
I had visited, your clinic in 1990, when a local psychiatrist, had well and truly made a mess of assesing me. The, best way to descibe, that medical person would be. Bigot, with a capital B, it didn't take Russell Reid very long to write back to, my GP. Which was a good read. If I remember, you sent me a copy, and treated me like a human being, and not an inhuman, freak, from outaspace.
As far as I know its my resposibliity, to look after my own health.
I would, still like to know, what Russell Reid has done with an A1 size drawing in black and white 'The Lonely Man' bought from me. Maybe he has forgotten about it, and the exhibition at the London Institute of Human Behaviour as it was called then. It belongs with a much larger painting, previously shown at the Mall Galleries 1975, The Mall, London.
His choice of that picture, told me, something about him.
When others find out about our, medical history, somehow all of a sudden we are not any good at anything. Not so with Russell Reid.
Do, hope you,have looked after that picture, Russell Reid, it was in a terrible frame. Hence the low price, I dont know if you are still the present owner either.
Having, had more solo exhibitions,
since then the prices have gone up. Its been impossible to make, contact, so I am still quoting. Russell Reid as the owner in my CVs and catalogue.
Can't comment, on the people who regret, gender reassignment, they must be very few. In my opinion, they appear, to wan't to achieve that particular situation. So,
maybe we could, see some research on how that happens?
We have heard of this happening, in Charing Cross Hospital. We never get to read about it, in real, documentary, terms, is this, published in medical literature?
Anyway Russell, its not so bad as being a suspected terrorist, held in a high security, NHS psychiatric hospital. Or Abu Grab You Gaol Iraq.
www.hastingsarts.net/artistspage.php?artist=34
Yours Best Wishes Allena Tyrrell
I wanted to offer my support too. Though I count myself tg, I'm not transitioning, for many reasons. But I do know of so many stories of desperate people who have been given light at the end of a very dark tunnel by Russell Reid. I can't comment on the specifics of his diagnostic approach, having not been through it, other than to say that it seemed sensible and logical enough from listening to the people I know who were treated by him.
Just a message of support for Dr. Reid. I have not yet taken medical advice regarding my gender problems, but I do realise that the opportunity for me, and others in my position, to seek help is of vital importance. My best wishes and support.
Sally Withers, Ringwood
If I'd not gone into denial again I would have seen you instead of your successor Dr Curtis.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Russell you are a wonderful man and I am honoured to have had you as my doctor. If it wasn't for your exceptional reputation I wouldnt have made that step and be where I am now. I thank you for being their for me, helping me and many many others. There are so many of us who cherish you and hold you so high.Unfortunately there will be the isomer, the minority and this is them and I pity them for making such foolish judgements, a true transsexual has it for life, time is taken as its too precious to us. It breaks my heart to see you suffer these things as you are quite honestly the most caring and sympathetic man. You have helped me go forth and not become another suicide statistic like so many unfortunate others. I hope this will aid in support of you dear Russell, dear legend, the greatest treasure our community has ever had.
Bless you always
Tara
(South uk/Normandy France)
from Michael M,
support worker for TG folk
I have been a listening ear for for Transfolk for a number of years and have seen the difference between NHS (CHX GIC notably) and private treatment for GID. As a self-diagnosed condition, as admitted by Prof. Richard Green and others, surely it is of paramount importance to listen to the patient/client and be accepting, but to hep them look deeper into their condition and see more clearly what and who they are.
This is what Russell Reid has done from the outset, leading to a flexible approach to each patient, but not leading to haste in their progress. In any self-diagnosing condition, the trustworthiness of the patient/client is paramount. Anyone can be coached in how to present to a psychiatrist/psychotherapist. I have had to rebuff several (as gently as possible) and tell them that the process is there to help them. Accompanying patients to Charing Cross, although I still say it, I have less confidence in doing so, as assessment seems to be all or most of the process, and the psychotherapy/counselling element which is so crucial for their psychological process is missing.
During the action against Dr Reid, much has been made of the Harry Benjamin Guidelines, as if they were hard-and-fast rules, but they had flexibility written in. More strongly worded is the advice to therapists as to the nature of the relationshipwith the patient:
From: http://www.hbigda.org/Documents2/socv6.pdf (Section VI)
" ... The therapist should make clear that it is the patient's right to choose among many options. The patient can experiment over time with alternative approaches. Ideally, psychotherapy is a collaborative effort. The therapist must be certain that the patient understands the concepts of eligibility and readiness, because the therapist and patient must cooperate in defining the patient's problems, and in assessing progress in dealing with them. Collaboration can prevent a stalemate between a therapist who seems needlessly withholding of a recommendation, and a patient who seems too profoundly distrusting to freely share thoughts, feelings, events, and relationships...."
I believe that Charing Cross GIC fails in its duty of care in its imperative to weed out "fakes" (not my word Dr James Barratt's to me) that is those who present differently than their actual condition, a condition which, in all probability needs help, just of a different kind
In short, Dr Reid starts from a position of trust in and love of humanity, in this case with this then considered challenging set of conditions, and CHX GIC from a business/bureaucracy model, pass or fail.
Is it any wonder his patients love him so much?
and Jimmy Barratt says this in testimony as a CRITICISM? They live on different planets, I know which one I prefer.
Michael M
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Transgender_Outreach
As a transgendered person I find the charges against the good doctor without merrit.We have little options for care with those that truely understand us and what it takes for treatment.
I only hope those that sit in judgement have the same insight as Dr.Reid for our treatment, welfare, stability and understanding ourselves.
Rachel Lee Adams,
Aurora,Colorado USA
Dr Reid is a kind and professional psychiatrist who supported me through my change in an ethical and considered manner.
I completed my transition from FTM 10 years ago and am completely happy as a woman.
I am appalled that the General Medical Council has chosen to question Dr Reid when HBIGDA clearly acknowledge that their guidelines can be flexible. As one of the worlds leading experts on GID, it seems wholly appropriate that Dr Reid's should be able to use his professional judgement to work flexibly within these guidelines.
I suggest that rather than question Dr Reid the conservative medical establishment should get their own house in order and consider the unnecessary suffering their methods bring to large numbers of Gender Dysphoria clients.
I consider myself to have been extremely fortunate to have had Dr Reid as my psychiatrist and extend my deepest gratitude to him for all the help he gave me.
My very best wish
Julie Nichols
Dr Reid is a kind and professional psychiatrist who supported me through my change in an ethical and considered manner.
I completed my transition from MTF 10 years ago and am completely happy as a woman.
I am appalled that the General Medical Council has chosen to question Dr Reid when HBIGDA clearly acknowledge that their guidelines can be flexible. As one of the worlds leading experts on GID, it seems wholly appropriate that Dr Reid's should be able to use his professional judgement to work flexibly with these guidelines.
I suggest that rather than question Dr Reid the conservative medical establishment should get their own house in order and consider the unnecessary suffering their methods bring to large numbers of Gender Dysphoria clients.
I consider myself to have been extremely fortunate to have had Dr Reid as my psychiatrist and extend my deepest gratitude to him for all the help he gave me.
My very best wishes
Julie Nichols
Dr Reid is a kind and professional psychiatrist who supported me through my change in an ethical and considered manner.
I completed my transition from MTF 10 years ago and am completely happy as a woman.
I am appalled that the General Medical Council has chosen to question Dr Reid when HBIGDA clearly acknowledge that their guidelines can be flexible. As one of the worlds leading experts on GID, it seems wholly appropriate that Dr Reid's should be able to use his professional judgement to work flexibly with these guidelines.
I suggest that rather than question Dr Reid the conservative medical establishment should get their own house in order and consider the unnecessary suffering their methods bring to large numbers of Gender Dysphoria clients.
I consider myself to have been extremely fortunate to have had Dr Reid as my psychiatrist and extend my deepest gratitude to him for all the help he gave me.
My very best wishes
Julie Nichols
In late 1999, after a lifetime of struggles with feelings I had attempted to suppress for too many years I was at the point of ending my life.
Emotive words? Absolutely. But that is how it was. It was the humanity, compassion and that so rare ablity to really *listen*, demonstrated each and every time I visited Dr Reid, that saved my life and allowed me to begin to live my life as a real part of society. I remember writing at the time that it was as if I had lived my entire life in black and white, in the shadows - and then the sun came out to reveal colours that I could never have imagined existed.
Thank you Dr Reid!
Christine C
Dear Sir
I am writing to you with reference to the imminent hearing of Dr Russell W Reid as I understand you are the solicitor representing him.
I first saw Dr Russell Reid on a professional basis on 8th November 1996 at the suggestion of my counsellor so I have known him for some considerable time. He always treated me with the utmost courtesy and always took a professional approach to my case. Indeed, if anything, he encouraged caution with my progress down a very difficult road to tread as at the time I was married with two children, but still supported me with his professional expertise. In my opinion Dr Russell W Reid is a man who has the highest integrity in his professional approach to what always seems to me to be the most difficult dilemmas people have to face in this world today. There will always be errors made, but I believe that the errors in this field of medical science are the errors of the patient rather than the professional, as ultimately it is the patient’s decision to go forward. The professionals can only put forward the pros and cons of the dilemma and then act accordingly as they feel necessary. It took me a long time to decide, with the support of Dr Reid and others and a lot of heart ache, what my destiny was and to accept the possible consequences. It was not until February 2002 that I decided that the road to transition was the only way to go. That was my decision and no one else’s to make. Even if I had decided at the very early stages that this was the way then that decision would have still been mine.
I can not say more to help in this case but to reiterate what I have already said and confirm that in my opinion, I have been well supported by Dr Reid with his professional approach and integrity during possibly the most difficult time of my life.
Yours sincerely
Anne Claire Ketteringham
PS This is a copy of my letter to your solicitor John Kingston sent on 28th September which I hope he received. If there is anything else I can do to help please do not hesitate to contact me directly
Best Wishes
Anne Ketteringham
Dr. Reid has very much saved me from a terrible condition which without his timely intervention and support I am convinced I would not have survived. I now live a much happier and fulfilled life, free of gender dysphoria (GD), thanks to Russell Reid. His approach of respect and allowing his clients to take personal responsibility for their lives I found wonderful. He treated me as individual who could make decisions about my life while always warning me of potential issues along the way. He follows a policy of ensuring the best quality of life for his clients and this coupled with his mutual respect for his clients, enabled me to progress through transition while being treated as an adult. His approach may not suit all (e.g. those who are very unsure of their gender status or unwilling to take personal responsibility), but for those who have a reasonable grasp of their position and who are seeking adult guidance and support I could not recommend him highly enough!!! It is a great travesty for the Trans community that he has been hounded into retirement! I wish him the very best for the future and pray that the GMC and other bodies in the field of gender dysphoria will take his model of client treatment to heart and learn from it. He truly is a pioneer in this field!
I would like to see many of the hoop-jumping hurdles that are put in people’s way removed simply because some medical practitioners do not emotionally comprehend the need to transition themselves, nor the emotional stress that this condition causes. People with GD must be treated on an individual basis given the nature of this condition. To this end an overly regulated approach does not aid clients to resolve their GD in a manor of mutual respect, dignity and personal responsibility.
With Fondest Regards
Susanna
~~~~~~~~
Dr Reid, seven years ago your diagnosis and prescription set me on track for the happy and successful life I am currently leading. I can only imagine the months of pain and humiliation I might have suffered by the NHS. It is a terrible indictment of our society that the one who truly cares about his patients is attacked while the cowards who drag their heels in the name of protecting their own backsides are allowed to continue.
I look forward to the day that you receive vindication and commendation for all the wonderful work you have done for your patients over the years.
Best regards,
Donna
The Consultant Psychiatrists from the Claybrook Centre at Charing Cross, who are leading this action against Russell Reid, have made names and lucrative careers for themselves by doing nothing for most of the patients they see and by passing this off as 'professional caution'. This is how James Barratt, the one who did the least, the one who was most often 'not convinced' that a patient should receive hormones or the operation, has ended up as Clinical Director of the Centre.
The Centre bases its claim to clinical excellence upon its adherence to the methods of Harold Benjamin in treating patients with gender problems. However. Harold Benjamin was renowned (and equally castigated) for doing something for his patients, in an era when the rest of the medical profession offered them no hope.
In the sad drama currently unfolding before the GMC, it is thus Russell Reid who occupies the role of Harold Benjamin and the Claybrook Centre who occupy that of Dr Benjamin's detractors. If the Claybrook Centre win the case, the result will be to extinguish, for future generations, that candle of hope which Harold Benjamin lit for us.
We (the patients) know that the real reason, for the extreme caution and the long, long waits for gender disorder treatment, is NHS rationing. The Claybrook Centre's paying customers are the Primary Care Trusts. It is they who are happy to pay for 'treatment' consisting of one or two, futile, half hour consultations a year and happy to justify their parsimony in terms of the Claybrook Centre's 'excellence'.
This system of NHS rationing requires a private sector which can actually provide treatment, at a price. Russell Reid provided the cheapest (often free) private treatment to those in most distress. Why don't the Claybrook Centre's psychiatrists target their colleagues around the country providing expensive treatment for gender disorder? Is it because these private clinics might provide a bit of extra income after retirement? Why do they target Russell Reid, thereby removing help for the poorest and most vulnerable group of gender disorder patients in the country?
Maybe we should take a longer view and regard Russell Reid's plight as having come about because, in order to meet the NHS criteria for free treatment, we needed to be regarded as suffering from an illness: i.e. a mental illness called Gender Identity Disorder. We (the patients) know that it's not really an illness, it's just the way Nature made us. Classifying it as an illness simply gives doctors the necessary bureaucratic justification for helping us, if they feel like it. However, this leads to the fallacy that, if it is a mental illness, then it can be diagnosed or misdiagnosed, which allows Russell Reid's detractors to allege misdiagnosis.
If we were to succeed in having our condition not regarded as an illness then, in order to obtain treatment, we would merely require a psychiatrist to certify that we were sane. The current case against Russell Reid would therefore collapse: the patients who are claimants could be argued to have been sane when interviewed by Russell Reid but not sane now (driven mad by the prospect of sackloads of compensation, perhaps?).
Russell,
Nearly 20 years ago you saved a very sad (and nearly alcoholic) police officer - and it's a crying shame that they're trying to pillory you! I shall be writing to the GMC and telling them what a marvellous job you've been doing all these years - chin up Groupie!!
Steph B
My sympathy that you have to endure this,Russell,my support for your methods and my thanks for your help. Always.
Dede.
Thanks for all your help Russell, you made ALL the difference for me, during those incredibly bleak times, when I really felt like throwing the towel in.
The sympathetic treatment you gave me, exactly when I needed it, changed my life.
Regardless of what the outcome is to your issues with the stiffies in administration, you know, I know, and all the Transpeople around the world know, your methods are correct, it's the jurassic, constrained by history and terrified of change charlatans that all want to strangle Transpeople's basic human rights that are so very wrong in the way they treat people.
Unfortunately, genius and post modern practices are so often not understood or recognised in the moments that they exist, at some point in the future though, it will be. it's just a matter of time.
Good Luck Russell, I kinda miss our chats, It'd be nice to have a natter again, purely for sentimental reasons!
Beth K (Sheffield, UK)
Thankyou Dr Reid for all your help and understanding through this difficult process of gender transition and for treating me like a human being. You have my absolute 100 per cent support. The idea that it is possible to somehow "force" anyone into transitioning seems to me rather ludicrous. I certainly never felt any pressure from you at any time to do anything with which I was not comfortable and you were always careful to point out the potential side effects or pitfalls involved in any particular course of action.I can't understand why anyone would want to bring these sort of charges against you. As far as the specific complaints are concerned, whilst I have the deepest compassion for anyone who feels thay made a poor choice, in the end it was surely their choice to make? We all make mistakes and, being human, sometimes we make big ones.Transgender people are not immune. We're not children who need to be saved from the consequences of our own actions.We are adults who, like everyone else, have to make decisions as best we can and then live with and learn from the consequences. It's called life. Thankyou for giving me a chance to live mine.
Jennifer J
I hope that Russell Reid will be buoyed up by all these messages of support during this traumatic time, especially as the wheels of the GMC grind exceeding slowly and this difficult time will be drawn out for several months.
Doubtless the GMC feel, in their present jittery state, that any complaint has to be investigated though some of them get thrown out before the stage of a full hearing.
Ihave never met Dr Reid but as a recently retired GP I had three TS patients about six years ago. one was already post-op but the two others went to Dr Reid and proceeded to surgery;one in Abergele and the other in Thailand. They were both very glad of Dr Reid's assistance and professionalism. Every Dr wil have some failures in his professional lifetime and this is rarely 'professional misconduct'.
Best wishes for a happy outcome.
I would not be here if it was not for Dr Russell Reid as I found him considerate and understanding and who genuinely cared about me as a person.
Had I stayed with Charring Cross I would not be here and because of Russell I have a life and am post op two years now.
Thank you Russell for all you done for me.
Miss Roslyn Owens
I would not be here if it was not for Dr Russell Reid as I found him considerate and understanding and who genuinely cared about me as a person.
Had I stayed with Charring Cross I would not be here and because of Russell I have a life and am post op two years now.
Thank you Russell for all you done for me.
Miss Roslyn Owens
Russell, as someone who has done research on trans issues over the last 8 years, I can unequivocally say that you are well respected and liked by the community. You have without a doubt saved many from living a half-life or even no life at all.
As someone who also has been under your care, I know from first-hand experience that you have a patient-centred respectful approach which awards people who see you the dignity they need at a difficult time. Throughout my transition process you informed me of the possible health risks I might face undergoing gender reassignment and I made those choices under no illusions.
Remember, you have the support of the trans community - the overwhelming majority of whom you helped to make their lives liveable.
Warmest regards,
Dr Lewis Turner
Hi,
I just wanted to add my support for Russel Reid and to say that I admire him for taking his patients' concerns seriously and offering a more user-centred approach than the NHS currently does.
My partner started seeing Russel 7 years ago and, thanks to his support and early use of hormones has managed to overcome many problems she had and now leads a very happy and successful life. For my part I am very thankful to Russel as I doubt she would have coped very well if forced to wait longer for hormones. I think the HBIGDA guidelines are too stringent and practitioners need more leeway to be able to help their trans patients as much as they can.
In addition to my personal experience, I have just completed a PhD looking at transpeople's intimate partnerships and a number of those I interviewed during this research told me of how Russel had saved their lives - if he had not prescribed hormones at the time he did they would have committed suicide. Some had considered suicide due to the numerous obstacles and long delays put in place on the NHS route and turned to Russel in despair. No doubt others who could not afford to see Russel have not been fortunate enough to restart their lives.
Russel, I hope you are proud of all the amazing work you have done. There will always be some people who won't be happy, but that's just the way it is and you have undoubtedly helped many more people than you have hindered. I really hope that you are triumphant in this trial and that the publicity it has received encourages others to listen to their patients instead of outdated guidelines. No doubt these do work for some, but not all, and the ones who need swifter treatment to enable them to continue living their lives need people like you.
Good luck and all the best in the future,
Tam Sanger
After completing a Real Life Test that lasted for five years, I eventually gave up with the NHS and went to Dr Reid who referred me to a Private surgeon. Without this intervention I would have probably waited another five years. This was back in 1990 at a time when Dr Reid was the only real support.
I'm sorry but I won't kiss ass here, As a post-op Woman of 20 Years I feel Dr Reid is the worst in his field and should be struck off and replaced by someone who knows how to treat his/her patients.
I was never a patient of Dr Reid thankfully and lucky for me I was treated by the best, I have always felt that Dr Reid was just in his business for the money and not the well being of his patients, it seems I was right all along.
Earlier in this Blog I’ve given my support For Dr Reid. I gave that support not because I believe the Doctor to be some kind of saint or infallible Diagnostician., rather, I feel he is a trustworthy professional who always applied due diligence and acted in a manner that he believed was in the best interests of his patients.
In his private practice he certainly didn’t do it for the money. At a time when he was charging £120 per hour, others in his field and in other areas of medicine and surgery where charging many times more.
I believe, from my own experience and from contact with a number of his patients, that he always retained a sensible scepticism about his patients claims. It has been claimed that he pushed people into transition. In my own case he advised me to think very carefully about what I should do and suggested that I find a modus operandi that fell short of transition. For a while I tried to act on his advice because I had a lot to lose. In the event, my dysphoria and dysmorphia drove me into transition and surgery. These were not decisions prompted by Dr Reid but by my own need to express myself as the person I truly am.
As a professional nurse I am aware that every person working in the health care field makes mistakes. I’m sure that Dr Reid has made mistakes in his long and illustrious career. What strikes me is that over his career in private medicine, he has seen over 3000 patients yet there are only 7 cases where people expressed regrets being cited.
An extensive search through the literature threw up anecdotal evidence of 1.5% of MTF surgery patients regretting their decision and one study that showed 30% of operated patients showing regret. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3729700&dopt=Abstract
If we accept that there are only 1.5% of people who regret their actions I would have expected there to be 90 cases with perhaps half seeking redress.
If the cited study mentioned above is an any way indicative, then Dr Reid must have been extraordinarily careful to exclude people who were unsuitable for surgery, otherwise we would be seeing about 900 people who felt they had been misdiagnosed.
Let he who is without fault cast the first stone
Paige Reeves
I think that the people who blame Dr. Reid for their sex change mistakes would also have
blamed NHS doctors if they'd gone down that route instead.
If they presented themselves as genuine transsexuals and never once gave any indication that
it wasn't what they really wanted, then how is any doctor, private or NHS, supposed to know
they're not serious?
I've lied to NHS doctors to get what I want and I could have lied to a private doctor too.
You can lie very easily to get what you want but just because you decide to pay for your
treatment does not mean that it's the doctor's fault that you messed up.
It makes me really angry that these people are trying to ruin someone just because they did
something they regret. It's their fault, not the doctors fault.
The original basis for the case against Dr Russell Reid was the arguement stated by Charing Cross GIC that Russell didn't comply with the Harry Benjamin Standards Of Care. From my own experience it's the other way around and Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic have tried to water down and change certain aspects of the Harry Benjamin Standards Of Care. http://www.hbigda.org/
Charing Cross GIC have also now been backed by six former Russell Reid patients (including publicity seeking Charles Kane who posed as a women for a new book in the Sun quite frequently) who's argument is that Dr Reid was too easy in helping them gain treatment. My point is they all pushed for treatment and in the end it was surely their own decision to go ahead with it or not.
What about someone like me? who was 100% sure what they needed to do with a lifetime background of Gender Dysphoria and had to fight tooth and nail with the NHS for more than 6 years, only to find private healthcare was the only solution. ......
I am also in complete support of Dr Russell Reid who has been hounded out of his practice by Charing Cross CIC for actually doing the job they are unable to facilitate. The NHS will mess you around for years with untrained psychiatrists who have no idea what they are doing... and by the time they get around to deciding they will allow a person treatment the person is either dead or receiving their bus pass!
You have helped me immensely through my transition which coincided with university and the start of my career. I have never felt anything other than at every visit you were listening to me and allowed me to transition at my pace and keep my life together. I first saw you in 1997 and although it took me a little while longer than many others to get to my new life (where I am now, with GRS booked for Dec this year, 2006), I have done it. Very few people these days know there was another life before this one and at no point was I pushed through a set of inflexible rules that would probably have jeopardised my career and future prospects. We all find our own ways, I always knew that having an established career in my new life was as important as the new life itself and I had to plan things around this. You allowed me the flexibility and ability to do this. I was always impressed with your phone calls straight after any letters I sent and wonder if any NHS consultant would have been on their phone at 8pm in the evening making sure I was ok, as I remember one of many phone calls one evening two years or so ago.
I work within the NHS now and I am dismayed by the inhumane approach of many although not all professionals within the whole of the NHS (there are still some out there that care). My confidence within the NHS generally has been severely reduced given my experiences and the contempt shown towards me by some that do know about my past, in my decision to seek private treatment. I am not sure why some professionals feel so threatened by patients wanting to consult privately, but threatened is how they come over. In the end, I decided to seek surgery in America where I felt a much more honest and professional approach to me as a patient.
I wish you all the best and thank you deeply for all the help you have provided in my "anything but quick" transition.
JF. SW
Dear Dr. Reid
I am extremely fortunate in counting myself as one of your former patients, first seeing you in August 1999. Your judgement and dedication have enabled me to live the life I otherwise would have been cheated out of.
You gave me a future.
Now, it seems, yours, as a medical practitioner, is in doubt. I can scarcely believe it! If only your Peers could suffer the indignity they dole out to people, then I'm sure they'd see the error of their ways. To see you be treated in this shabby way, when all you've ever done is provide invaluable help to people who really need it, is a travesty!
I wish you all the very best in your battle with the GMC, and thank you again for everything you did to help me on my way.
G.W.
Dear Russell,
This is the first time I have ever posted to a blog. I have written directly to you defence team with my comments, and with a directive that they may be made public.
The contrast between your approach and that of your professional accusers is simply stunning. It is the comparison between humanity and beaurocracy, between professioanlism and cynicism.
My heart goes out to those who undertook surgery and later regretted it. We all understand how it is to have an itch we cannot scratch. However, your involvement for them was (permit me) rather incidental. If they had not seen you, they would have seen some of the rather more disreputable surgeons and have suffered the long-term health consequences.
My thoughts are with you and I hope that you win your case decisively. It's about time that the hegemony of Charing Cross is challenged. Everyone else is too frightened to take the b*ggers on.
My warmest wishes
Nicole King
PS. I'm also secretary of Inner Enigma and I hear these comments echoed time after time from those I meet in connection with the charity.
I'm frankly saddened to hear of the hell Russell has been through lately given the many hundreds (or dare I say thousands?) he has helped since his practice opened. Why, oh why, oh why?
I have to admit when my lovely wife went to him via a therapist over 5 years, I was sceptical. I feared the end of our beautiful 6 or 7 year old relationship. Why did my partner want to do this? Why now? Will I be attracted to a person of the opposite sex? Those questions went through my distraught, selfish and paranoid head at the time. But, you know what, thanks to him, I now have an gorgeous, amazing woman as my betrothed (we tied the knot this summer!) and - as man & wife - we've never looked back!
Thank you Russell. As they'd say in your homeland 'Chin up, mate!'.
Sean (Alison's proud hubby)
Hi
With such websites as inhousepharmacy.com its far easier these days for transgendered people to get hormone treatment but for many years prior to the spread of the internet the only way any transgendered person could get hormones on prescription was thorough Dr Russell Reid. Unlike the policy of the NHS Gender Identity Clinics he didn’t make it a spoliation that any person should have to go under full gender reassignment (Sex Change). Therefore I find it extremely hard to believe that he was pushing any individual into having gender reassignment or even pushing any individual into a treatment they’d not want to undertake. All I know of Russell & my personal experience of him tells me Russell beloved anything initiated had to be initiated by the patient.
Though I know little of the current complaint against Russell from err ‘Patient B’ I do know something of Samantha Kane’s complaint from a few years back & I found it more coincidence that one of the psychiatrists supporting them in their complaint happened to be the head of the main NHS Gender Identity Clinic at Charing Cross. I think any person who’d of read Samantha Kane’s autobiography or saw the BBC documentary from couple years back would obviously come to the conclusion quickly that they were a case of somebody who’s never learnt to take responsibility for their actions. Yes there is a increasing trend of post operative Transsexuals regretting having surgery & not all of them went thorough Russell for treatment first I encountered I was informed had gone thorough the NHS. But whether they went thorough Russell or got treatment on the NHS isn’t the point the point is they decided to under go surgery, it was their choice to alter their body, its their fault! Yes people should be free to as they wish with their bodies but the choices are also their responsibility!
Russell is only guilty of wanting to help people & responding to the needs of people. I reckon the real reason Russell’s being persecuted by the medical establishment is that he actually treated his patients with dignity & respect not like the typical psychiatrist who will condescend & patronise. Thing is with psychiatrists is they need mentally ill people to keep their profession prosperous. I remember having a conversation with Russell about the diagnosis of ‘Personality Disorders’ & we both agree they don’t exist. Thirty years ago they didn’t & you’d have to ask yourself why they now do? Of course it wouldn’t be that if more people had ‘mental disorders’ they’d be more people for psychiatrists to treat. Nah Ziggy your just making a cynical coincidence…uh no I’m telling the truth the psychiatric profession is corrupting how our perspective of diversity & clouding the simple fact we are all individuals are different therefore all personalities are different therefore no such thing as a personality disorder.
But even if my theories might sound nuts one point is perfectly sane & should be considered & isn’t that’s of professional envy. I know is peeved the psychiatrists at Charing Cross no end that the majority of Transsexuals were going thorough Russell for treatment, which yeah kind of made them look bad. Thing is they’ve not grappled with the concept of free markets, any wonder they’re employed by the state? Yeah basically they couldn’t cope with transsexual & transgendered voting with their feet & saying no to the authoritarian practices of the NHS towards transsexuals.
Common criticism of some psychiatrists & others was that Russell proscribed hormones on a patient’s first appointment (The NHS require a TS to be living in full time as a woman before hormones are proscribed). Err well I refer people to inhousepharmacy.com because hormones can be obtained with no consultation from any psychiatrist. However its better to take medication under medical supervision so in fact Russell providing the service he did was some kind of safeguard.
I often wonder why I’m prepared to defend Russell so I mean it’s not like I’ve any empathy with the transgendered community in fact other then Shovel non of my close friends are transgendered or transsexual. To be honest the transgendered community is a rather narcissistic, vain & bitchy place, in fact there’s plenty of transgendered people I’d say are the most horrid I’ve had the displeasure of meeting. The reason I defend Russell is that other then being Libertarian I can honestly say Russell is one of the nicest people I ever met.
But there’s another reason I defend Russell & that’s if the GMC find him guilty then it will affect thousands of people & yet no one will care.
Regards
Ziggy
Hi Dr Reid
I am in Thailand having my SRS this week. I thank you for being the person that gave me a life by caring for me that the way that you did. It is unbelievable that a man such as yourself should be subjected to such treatment. They should be giving you an award!
You are loved by many including me and I wish you well at this time.
Paula Dooley (Phuket Thailand!)
Being in my 40s,I had no where to turn to until i went to see Dr Reid. I wasnt lost, just wasnt sure about life.As a well known character in a small chinese commutity,it was very differcult for me to come out.3 years ago, I went down to London to see Dr Reid,I told the truth about what had been like being trapped for so many years and because of my condition,I can only be second best to everything.He treated me with his knowlege and explained to me about all medical aspects to change to a man.I can only say, life had been nothing but better since i met Dr Reid.I have my family support as well as the whole back up from the chinese commutity,i even made chairman to the north east chinese association.
Who dare say Dr Reid is not a professional?To me,he is the most experience gender psychiatrist in the world and I know I am in good hand.In my opinion, all patients should tell the truth to their doctors about their conditions right from the begining.Dr Reid had been very unfortunate to come across some ungenuined patients.Someone out there will know what's right or wrong and I am sure the truth will tell. It must be difficult for Dr Reid at this stage but I ,together with many other genuine patients of his will give him total support.
from Victor Chan of Newcastle
Dr Reid, I am a physician who practices in a manner closer to yours than any of your detractors. Thank you for having the tremendous foresight to treat transgender patients as you did... when you did.
That a tiny percentage of your patients had bad outcomes does not mean that you lacked caution or were practicing unethically. It means you were treating patients, many more of whom would have had a poor outcome had you lacked the courage to act.
Physicians without such fortitude may try to hide behind the phrase 'first do no harm', but they are both shortsighted and ill read. The full quote from Hippocrates' Epidemics is: “As to diseases, make a habit of two things - to help, or at least do no harm.”
Warmest regards,
Nick
This case should never have been brought. It brings the NHS Transsexual care system into disrepute and does nothing to further the case for better medical care of TS people in the UK.
I would like to point out to those who have brought this complaint against one of the most respected doctors in any field in the UK:
1. Transexuality is a self diagnosed condition. There is no empirical test that a doctor can do which will support this diagnosis.
2. TS people voluntarily seek medical help in order to find a solution to the problems that their gender dysphoria produces.
3. An accomplished liar can fool the best of psychiatrists
4. Before surgery everyone has to sign a consent form.
5. The Harry Benjamin guidelines are just that - guidelines, to be followed or varies according to the individual cirumstances.
6. Even the best of professionals came make honest mistakes. A professional with a success rate as high as Dr Reid should not be crucified if few determined liars manage to get through the systems OF THEIR OWN FREE WILL.
7. Can the professionals who have brought these complaints put their hand on heart and say that their success rate is as high as Dr Reid's? Especially as many of those who were failed by the NHS system found their way to Dr Reid's consulting room and on to successful transition.
I am a sane person, self diagnosed, I chose to put myself through Dr Reid and my surgeon, and I am delighted to say that I received the right mix of support and warnings from the good doctor
and am now very successfully post op.
I wish Dr Reid the very best for the future whatever it holds for him. I fear that a decision by the GMC against Dr Reid will set transsexual care back into the nineteenth century.
Moira, Kent
God bless you Dr. Reid, I have never met you personally but know of you only through my two friends whose lives, they claim, you literally saved when others turned them away.
Though, frankly, I concur with Harry Benjamin MD himself who maintained that “As a discipline psychiatry lacks common sense”, I believe that comment should be interpreted in the context of the treatment of alleged psycho-sexual disorders and transsexualism. I see it as little more than a medical front to give respectability to societal prejudice and abuse against transsexual people as was done a generation before.
For myself, I fled England many years ago and now live in voluntary exile in California. In particular I fled to escape extremely abusive treatment for wrongly alleged transsexualism and homosexual pathology (Electro convulsive therapy) as was the norm long ago. If there had been doctors like you then my life would not have been torn apart the way it was, it took decades to recover.
Perhaps your treatment of transsexual people does indeed fall short of being ideal. However, I truly believe it is the best that could be found in Europe in recent years. It is others who should be held culpable, not you Sir.
I hope when all this dies down the GMC is so praising of you that you are considered for a New Zealand honor. You deserve more than vindication, I believe the suit against you was an egregious abuse of process.
Best wishes and hopes for a clear vindication,
Holly H Black P.E.
I 1st met Dr. Reid in 1980 at my flat in Ealing where I was staying with Anne Lloyd. In 1981 I was referred to Dr. Reid by my G.P. to have my sex determined. After many visits to Dr Reid my sexual status was determined and certified. In the meantime we became great friends. I thank you Russell, for everything that you did for me including visiting me in 1984 at Watford General Hospital when I had my appendices removed. I also thank you for being a friend and for the many many lives that you have saved.
All my love Jenny J. Watford/Ealing
I really dont know where to start but will try to convey my sincere support for Dr Reid who has helped many transgirls and transboys to live happy healthy lifes if it was not for this caring kind professional guy there would have been a lot of unnecessary suffering amonst our whole commuity i for one will never forget what an amazing guy i met and how through him i started the correct treatment to be the guy i should have always been i wish him all the best with all he does in life he deserves it for all he has done for many many people in his past good luck to you and i hope you will enjoy life to the full as you have helped so many to do in their lifes
all the best
Scott
Scotland
I do admire the person-centred approach displayed by Dr Reid when counselling potential reassignees for access to SRS or GRS. Perhaps Dr Reid believes in applying the kind of tailor made ‘ethics of care’ proposed by Carol Gilligan, rather than the imposing of an ‘ethics of universalism’ when determining a plan of reassignment for the pre-reassigned. This approach brings to mind the person-centred therapy devised by Carl Rogers where therapist and client are seen as being on equal terms with each other in the counselling environment.
I am carrying out research into self-presentation of trans sexual subjectivity and contemporary feminism with Manchester Metropolitan University.
dear dr Reid,
i think it is very sad all this trouble you're going through. it seems like cx among others care less about their patients than about their dear principles.
i wish you good luck with all this tedious trials. i also hope that you get the credit you truly deserve. you have helped so many more of us than the gmc could ever manage with their never ending waiting times.
i believe i was assessed by you sir in a very professional and fair way. moreover, i believe you treated me with respect and without the condescendence and patronizing tone of those so called "gender specialists".
so there, i hope our comments will help you to get through these difficult times, as you helped us when we needed you.
bonne chance like they say back home.
Because of Russell Reid I was able to get on with my life. I would probably still be waiting for my surgery referal now. He has enabled me to finally be the very happy, well-adjusted person I am today. Thank you. Alec
Dear Russell,
All I can say is THANK YOU for saving my life and helping others to see me for who I really am just another hard working female.
Life long suffering from Gender Dysmorphia was finally cured for me by You Russell and I became a happier, more confident person as a female with far more self esteem and self respect than I had ever known.
You are an ANGEL and deserve a MEDAL !! you have made thousands of us girls happy and fulfilled..
Love Dee Skaife.X
I saw Dr Reid almost 7 years ago, and he was the first and only person in the medical profession that treated me as a human being.
The treatment I received via the NHS was disgraceful, and caused me to deteriorate in to such a state that I almost took my life.
In the end the NHS gave me Hormone treatment, the full range of blood tests I needed, and surgeries. But that took six years to accomplish, the delays I had to endure under the NHS were unbelievable. I thought that I would never receive any treatment under the NHS.
Then I found out about Russel Reid, a doctor in London who treated transgendered people and not only that, listened to them!
Russel Reid saved my life! Seven years on and I have to say he was the one who helped me and supported me the most at that critical time in my life.
I can't believe this action has been taken again him.
I feel thoroughly disappointed that any action at all has been brought against him. And he has my full support, in the work he did to help people like myself.
I will be sending a personally signed letter of support to his solicitor. I hope everything goes well for you Russel.
Your sincerely
Danni Scott
I HAVE BEEN UNDER RUSSELL'S CARE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS & I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND HIM PROFESSIONAL & REGUARDED HIM AS A GOOD FRIEND. I CAN'T BELEIVE THIS CASE WENT AHEAD. I WISH RUSSELL ALL THE BEST. LOVE CARLA XXXXXXX
All generations have their struggles. For transsexuals this has been it! Russell listened and acted. Saved us from suicide. What more do I need to say? I am living now, happy, fulfilled, post op, correctly medicated because of him! Happy because of him.
Shantal Joy Fane
The GMC really should ask themselves WHO a treatment is supposed to serve? Is for the benefit of the patients or is it to give the doctors a feeling of power?
If it is the former then do the maths people! Count up the number of satisfied Reid patients (of which I am one - nearly 20 years ago now hence the need for anonimity as I am afraid I have moved on...) There are more of us who LIKE what he did than the few for whom it was not so successful.
Also I think some of the other doctors giving evidence against him are sailing rather close to the wind. I know from direct personal experience that there are people out here who, if they go on with this appalling holier than thou attitude, could easily feel compelled to launch complaints against them in the interests of fairness. Would the GMC then investigate them too? Or are the tables stacked already? It would be interesting to find out...
All I can say is "let he without sin cast the first stone". Doctors are supposed to treat PATIENTS not a set of RULES. Deliberate inaction, because most of you don't understand why we do what we do, is both cruel and inexcusable!
From my perspective Dr Reid is the last person who should be in the dock as he is the one psychiatrist who seemed to be able to treat people as adult individuals rather than assuming than arrogantly taking it upon himself to try and protect us from ourselves. With absolutely no respect at all I say to you that I didn't need protecting from myself - it was medical control freaks like those bunch of clowns that I needed protection from...
Enough! I'm getting too angry just thinking about this again after 20 years so I'm out of here.
Good Luck Russell.
While Dr Reid was not involved in my treatment, I have met and spoken to him on sevral occasions.
He was totaly professional, caring, sypathic,and he was one of the very few professionals who treat transgenered individuals with dignity.
During our discussions he always made it clear that "there is no fast route and no substitute to living your (real gender)life for severl years".
Dr Reid makes treatment as realistic as possible, erring on the difficult side.
This to me does not sound like fast tracking the transsision process, but the application of the standard medically agreed treatment.
May I wish you good luck and say thank you for all what you have done.
I was in need of a professional to assess and to advise and to support and treat. I needed a person who respected my humanity. I needed a person who respected all that I am - not just the seen. I needed a person to caution me when I tried run before I could walk. I needed a person to speak make what I was facing real.
I found him!
It's not an exageration to say that you gave me back my life.
Without you, my parents would only have had one daughter and a fresh grave.
You've allways treated me with the utmost professionalism and care and I've thrived because of that.
It's sheer travesty that the people who cause so much grief to others are attacking the one person who's done so much over the years to help others!
Good luck!
R, Hampshire
03 11 06
Dear Russel,
I understand that the clouds of professional accusations are once again gathering above you. We have on occasions talked of such things, but no matter what the outcome this time, I want you, and any of those standing in judgement on you to know that in my case at least you saved my life, and made possible if not the most satisfactory existence, at least a better life than I would otherwise have had. I have never been a burden on the state, and have been able to make a positive contribution to society.
I grew up a confused child. I had no idea why I wanted to be what I wanted to be, I did know that if I mentioned it to anybody in the late 1950s and early 1960s instant disapproval would follow, I grew racked by guilt, with no role models, nobody to talk to about my ambitions, convinced there was nobody else in the world so ‘cross wired’.
I had shared a bedroom all my life with three brothers, a dormitory at boarding school with up to twenty boys. With little or no privacy I had no way of exploring the conflicting evidence of my eyes and the attitudes around me that I was male, and the internal conviction that I was not.
An academic disaster, I left school with little in the way of qualifications and found myself working as a laboratory assistant at Harwell atomic energy research establishment. For the first time in my life , at the age of seventeen, I had privacy and was able to explore my internal self. I was caught ‘inappropriately attired’ riding my motor scooter through the streets of Abingdon at 2.00 am.
As a very frightened and isolated 18 year old I faced two years in prison or medical treatment. Electro aversion therapy. Every authority figure I had in my life, my parents, the police, social services, the welfare department of the civil service, the doctors concurred. It would be interesting to explore whether I have a case to bring against them!
I knew that if I exhibited anything less than exemplary behaviour I faced electrocution.
I had had a deeply flawed childhood, no appropriate teenage years and now they stole my wonder years.
It took me ten years to realise that I could not live my life the way they wanted me too. I had to change, or terminate my miserable existence.
The only route through this horrific situation was the Charing Cross Gender Clinic. They were understanding but were able to do nothing concrete to help me for seven years, I would get a ten minute consultation every three months, maybe surgery at the end of a very long waiting list. It is my belief that their unwritten policy was that they would rather deny fifty appropriate people help than allow one who was not, through the net.
I went away and got on with what life I could, finding work as a motorcycle dispatch rider.
Eventually I found my way to your consulting rooms. I was a severely damaged individual. For the first time in thirty years I found someone who would not judge me, despise me, confine me. You allowed me to see that I had value, that I could find a place in society.
It may be co-incidence, but I doubt it, shortly afterwards I found work as a magicienne, not the most socially meaningful work but I was at least allowed to perform, by the repressive society we live in.
It is a sad fact of life, that anybody beset by this condition, and known to have it publicly is almost completely un-employable. This is in large part probably why you are being pursued today. We must have sympathy for those who seek to bring you down, while in no way condoning their actions.
Instead of one more suicide statistic, and I promise, I did have one leg over the windowsill on at least one occasion, I began to make my way in society.
Today, I am a world class performer, still prevented from having any real position in society, but I have never had to draw benefit. I paid in full for my surgery, with money legitimately earned from the talent I have. I have never done anything immoral or illegal to do so.
I am a Vice President of NCH action for children, for whom I have raised tens of thousands of pounds. Through a charity called Dreamflight have helped take over 2000 severely disabled and sick children on the holiday of a lifetime that adds around 5 years to each of their short and damaged lives. I have written and had published two books on performance for children, put several people back on the rails and enabled them to earn their living from magic, bought my own modest house. I really believe I have been a net contributor to society.
Without you Russell I would have, at best been cast prematurely on the scrap heap of life, or at worst, terminated my existence prematurely.
If you need any public testament, I am happy to stand up and be counted, will support you under oath if necessary, You may use any part or all of this letter as you feel fit.
You made my life possible.
Yours with fondness and sincerity
This letter has been forwarded to RR
I would like to say in defence to Dr Reid when I went to see him in 2000 he gave me all the advice & support I needed. Having experienced his treatment, many trans people know all too well his methods to be humane, responsible and the best care possible. I am amazed at these people who have gone down the road of re-alignment then having doubts after.
Ever since I could remember I was trapped in the wrong body.Mr Reid interviewed me & I was in no doubt that I was a male & not a female.He gave me a letter & I went back to my GP who then prescribed the necessary hormones. 6 years later I have had my surgery arranged by Mr Reid have changed my birth certificate & last year married my long term partner Veronica.I have never been so happy & it all started with my appointment with Mr Reid - he gave me a new lease of life & the opportunity be the right gender I was meant to be.
Thank you Mr Reid
I hope all goes well with you
Regards
Christopher Wonnacott
Sadly, people do tell lies to a Doctor in order to get what they want. I have received many calls on my helpline asking me what should be told to a gender specialist Doctor. When these callers are told to tell the truth they often act like I am not doing my job properly.
Those who attend any private clinic have no choice other than to arrive in the role they are taking on. Sadly, many attend NHS clinics and change in the toilet before nipping upstairs to see the Doctor or psychiatrist.
Here at Transliving, of whom Dr Reid is a patron, we have many girls that have passed through Russell's and our books who have transitioned successfully with no regrets.
Whilst a finger is being pointed at Russell Reid for misconduct, is it not misconduct to have people go through surgery on the NHS and then discover they just do not pass in public and have to return to dressing in the role they started in ( i.e.: male). I have come across a few cases like this. Surely the psychiatrist whom they were attending should have noticed uncertainties in the person’s mind.
Dr Reid has been under a lot of pressure from those who want things to move quickly, often convincing him of their needs when in actual fact they are the ones who have been uncertain and told stories that are far from the truth. I am convinced it is not Russell who had acted in an unprofessional manner, but those who pushed him in to believing them.
How many people have waited up to a year for hormone therapy on the NHS and on getting their prescription have decided after several months it is not for them. These people could have been saved the embarrassment of changing over. I have had a few cases like this over the years.
I have every reason to believe Russell has done the best job possible given the circumstances he has had to endure with certain patients.
All the support and well wishes sent in are I am sure very much appreciated, however, I think other areas of how treatment is conducted should be looked into before pointing a finger at a man who has helped so many.
If we look in to how many people claim to be the victims of medical accidents then it shows quite clearly that there are other Doctors and surgeons who have “offended” but we have not seen each and every case in the public eye.
Why has Dr Reid been targeted? It would appear that a few people who have made the wrong decision in life find the need to blame another person.
Stacy Novak MD Transliving International
I write in duel role as ex patient and psychiatrist. From my personal experience I confirm that Dr. R R is very thorough, ethical, and exerts no pressure on the patient. As a psychiatrist I know that other patients have received satisfactory treatment with no undue presure. In my opinion it is almost impossible to foresee which patients will subsequently change their mind. Every effort is made to screen patients` personality traits and past history, to avoid making recommendtions to unstable people, but the odd case will slip through. Dr R R deserves support not censure. M.B.
I consider myself very fortunate to have had the services of Dr Russel Reid available to me during my transition, about five years ago. When I first saw him I'd been living full-time as a TG woman for a year and taking hormones obtained on the black market. Dr Reid cured me of the nagging feeling that I might be some kind of barely-legal pervert, and contacted my GP so that I now have an NHS prescription and regular checkups. He asked me, of course, whether I was contemplating surgery, but never even hinted that it was in any way expected that I should go for it if I wished to be taken seriously, as I suspect, from what I've heard, is the position the doctors at Charing Cross would have taken. In fact I have decided against surgery - I would not 'pass' more than a casual glance in any case, and there are plenty of people who like me just the way I am. Sex is not gender. Sex is biological, gender is psychological and sociological. I am a male woman, organic - just supplementing an oestrogen deficiency, and Dr Reid understood that. It's a great pity that he is under attack, and if the GMC find against him the world will be a bleaker place.
Russell, all you've ever done is help. We're an odd constituency, transsexuals. Hardly a group that naturally draws supporters. We've had to struggle just to win the right to be equal - and it may not have been possible at all without the help of learned professionals like you.
I was your patient in the early to mid nineties. I still recall your patience and relaxed manner. I was never pushed into anything or encouraged to endure treatment beyond my capacity or state of preparedness.
I've watched developments with sadness and no little fury. I will trust in justice for now. I'm sure that your life will be given back to you - it's just a shame that you have to go through such a difficult experience on the way. All transsexuals know what that feels like. Now it is time for us to support you.
As a son to a transexual who was under your care I can only tell you that I hope justice is done.
My mother was never given the adequate time in which to make a monumental decision that would not only affect her but myself. Knowing you were dealing with a single mother of one, no thought was taken about what effect this would have on her son. You breifly met me once and asked me what I thought of my mothers decision. I answered that I would support her. I am of course her son, and at about 10 years of age I knew not what would happen in my life from here on in.
My mother started to take the regular injections almost from the off. It all happened too fast.
In the end you destroyed what was left of my family, and now as a father myself, your part in this has affected my life as an adult.
My mother wanted to change back as she is now regretting her decision in what was a low point in her life. She just needed proper psychological help. A sex change was, in her head, a way for her to try and start again in her life. Instead it has left her as a recluse. Not willing to come out more than is necessary. Afraid to meet anyone. Cutting her off from meeting family and friends. It also resulted in myself being cut off completely from my fathers side of the family only to be reunited with my father after 14 years when I was old enough to do so.
More consideration should have been taken into my mothers case due to the fact she had a son instead of hastily moving into stage one of the change.
You made a huge error Dr Russell Reid. And no amount of 'pain' that you may be going through now will be even close to the hell that was brought onto my family, past and present.
Simon Flett
After reading Simon Flett's comments in the previous post you would think Russell Reid had handcuffed and gagged his mother into having treatment.
Ultimately it is the idividuals decision to go ahead with treatment or not and I can't see how a psychiatrist like Russell Reid can be blamed for trying to help someone in their desire to change.
I do feel sorry for people in this situation but we are all adults and are free to make our own decisions.
Kimberley
Dear Dr Reid,
It is now six years since I last met you at my post-surgery consultation. I don't think there has been one week of that six years when I have not thought of you with gratitude and admiration. As trans people we all meet a range of medical professionals in our journey to becoming who we are but there was not one other on my journey who matched or came remotely near your compassion, understanding and professionalism. Many of the others were disinterested, misleading or contemptuous.
I was very ignorant of the trans community when I first came to see you nearly ten years ago; since discovering the Internet I have learnt a great deal. It seems that you have become the scapegoat for the 'old brigade' who realise they are losing their influence as the world slowly accepts that we are NOT mentally ill. They will lose control, hopefully sooner rather than later.
I hope very much that justice will be done and the complaint against you dismissed. I am writing this as your hearing approaches it's conclusion. My message may be too late to be part of the mountain which will be presented in support by your legal representative but on coming accross this blog I simply had to make my feelings known.
I know that I owe you a great deal as do many, many others. We are all thinking of you and wish you the best.
Alicia Isobel Carter
I would like to thank Dr Russell Reid for treating me like an intelligent human being and allowing me to transition at a pace with which I felt comfortable. Prior to seeing him I had waited for nearly two years to get NHS appointments. Before even daring to visit my GP I had thought seriously about my options for at least another two or three years. The NHS psychiatrist I eventually saw was most unsympathetic and patronising; Russell Reid was totally the opposite.
Having read many of the comments here, it would seem that the majority of his patients feel as I do. There will always be some people who regret making certain decisions in their life, and while I have every sympathy for them, I do not think it is right that a doctor who helped so many should be vilified.
Good Luck Russell
Ben. Derbyshire.
Hi Russel
I can't speak for how others found you all. I can say is that you treated me with care, responsibility and respect when I met you.
I had 3 months private councelling on your advisement before I started any medical treatment and have benefited imensely from changing over to live life as female this year.
I do feel that it is important that there are people like you who offer an alternative to NHS treatment.
My NHS treatment came to a dead end before it had even started when Hertfordhire NHS where not able to find anyone even capable of assessing me for referral to Charring Cross.
In a potentially suicidal state being told that the NHS simply can't help is not good enough.
If it wasn't for you I might not be here now.
How many others can say that too.
You're a hero.
Thank you and good luck.
Emma Leahy
My name is Joanne Eldridge from Telford in Shropshire . I am 54 years old .
I am writing in support of Dr Russell Reid .
I , like most other transsexuals , have lived most of my life 'underground' , afraid of being my true self because normal society was not very accepting of something different .
After being involved in a motorcycle accident in 1997 , I was told that I was lucky to be alive . Being confined to bed for 6 weeks in traction gave me time to think about my life . I came to the conclusion that I should come ‘out of the closet' and start living my life as a male women . I started taking black market hormones and dressing in the clothes I felt comfortable ie; female . I did not think about the health checks which should go with taking hormones and I still had niggling doubts who I really was .
I met another transsexual Antonia in 2001 and found she had similar thoughts to myself , but she was seeing Dr Reid and told me how much of a help he was to her in understanding and coming to terms with herself . She eventually talked me into making an appointment .
On my first appointment though wary , I was soon put at ease by Dr Reids professional manner and found myself opening up . I was asked if I considered having the operation , I replied, “ No because I'm also bi-sexual” and the subject never arose in any subsequent meetings . He was concerned that I was taking hormones without having the health checks . So he wrote to my GP asking if he would be willing to set up a health monitoring package for me . My GP agreed to set up a joint care package with Dr Reid and prescribed the correct hormone treatment , so I now have a complete health care package .
Over the next few meetings my doubts were resolved and Joanne slowly emerged from the 'closet' into the sunshine of mainstream society . I changed my name by Deed Poll 2005 and now live 24/7. Joanne Eldridge is here till she dies thanks to 'Uncle’ Russell .
If Dr Reid is on trial for helping people transition - including some who think the grass is greener on the other side , then find it's not - can Charring Cross honestly say they have no dissatisfied ex-patents and are totally right in every case they deal with ? . How many skeletons do they have in their cupboards (not counting the mortuary) ? .
Best wishes and good luck to Dr Russel Reid .
Hello Russell, I saw you briefly at the hearing yesterday and was glad i could come for at least one day to show my support in person.
It was lovely to see you again if only briefly. I truly hope things are going to work out.
I just wanted you to know there are lots of girls I know who havent been able to get to the hearing to show support but wanted me to pass on their best wishes to you.
I'll be there again in February - until then my warmest regards.
Melanie Jones
Dear Russell
I was probaly one of your last patients before you retired,I am living full time in female role and will have surgery mid 2007
Before I met you I felt lost and not supported in those few visits you made me feel at ease with myself and put me on the right road with my GP who had no experience with people like myself .You at no time encouraged me to take hormones or anything else until I was ready any you certainly pointed out the pitfalls in this difficult journey
You have helped our community so much and do not deserve this stupid enquiry we need more people like you to help and support us,I will be grateful to you for your professionalism and kindness for ever.
Best of Luck
Jill Taylor(name change from Tittensor)
As a post op lady my self (and never having the pleasure of meeting you mr reid).
I find it rather frightening for new ts girls to be faced with a future with one less capable man who cares about our life kind!.
I think the uk has become a peculiar place in recent years and we have a suspect government and have a beleaguered legal system.
i just want to say that no matter what Mr Ried, I for one shall not judge you at all... you obviously did what you thought best, and now have a disgruntled person on your hands who should have known better them selves..one has they're own responsibility to realise they're own autonomy as an entity other than what the body says..
the mind is where it is at..i feel this person has deeper problems and is looking for someone to blame it all on...i am not saying it is his or her fault.
Iam syaing that she was not right in the first place and that is not always easy for us all to see (even a consumate proffessional like your self).
if anything can be learned from this...is thata much more control rigerous test must somehow be acheived with balance in getting to know if the person is the matrix that they say they are as we know some are not!.
i am sorry to sound biased, but there are true transexual women and there are not true transexual women (men who can not cope with life as a man) as oppossed to those of us who are spiritually women as well as (brainsexed)female.
no doubt you have made countless ts women happier than they ever thought possible...
this is a glicth you will get by no matter what the out come..
eccoteric suppositions occur no matter where we are in our lives..
you will find an answer you have been looking for your self...I promise you.
xox
susan
Dr Russell Reid was my second opinion in around 1993. My surgery was in August 1994.
It is my opinion that Dr Reid handled my case responsibly and that he was extremely careful to ascertain that I was suitable for surgery. He called in my companion who travelled to London with me and sought her opinion, on the grounds that she knew me as well as anyone, being my flat-share at that time.
I have the highest regard for Dr Reid and will always be grateful for his part in helping me resolve my problem. I am disgusted that anyone should seek to besmirch his good name and highly respected reputation.
Like many other people he helped, I am horrified that he finds himself in this thoroughly undeserved situation.
Sincerely
Jane Dodd
I was first a patient of Dr Reid in late 2003 when I had finally gathered the strength to deal with the feeling I had always had.
In the time he treated me I always felt cared for and never felt that I was seen as a " crazy person " because of my feelings.
Dr Reid helped me to asses my situation and to deal with it.
Every time I saw him he acted in what I can only describe as a proffesional inteligent insightfull and careing way which helped me to go through this and also maintain a normal life at the same time.
I lived my life kept my job and stayed stable through out the time I was his patient and in the end I have found my life and am living it, happy and like any other woman.
It is so unfair that someone so careing who also stuck his own head out on behalf of transgender people when he could have easyly not done so and had an easier life is now attacked and treated as if he is harming people.
He never has.
In my view and experiance he has only ever done the exact opossite.
He has cared for a group of people who are much maligned by most of society.He has treated us with respect, inteligence , dignity and careing.
I am very greatfull to him and I wish to offer my full support to him.
I also hope that I can show others how much he has helped people like me.
My thoughts are with him.
I dont know you sir but I know a Harold Reid who is a surgeon here in the States who is fantastic! Would you be related to hin at all! He is a kind individual who cares for everyone!
I wish you the best, never surrender!
I write as an ex patient and as a medical doctor. Russell Reid is an excellent psychiatrist, combining knowledge, experience and compassion. Sometimes compassion involves interpreting the "rules" to fit the patient. He is ethical and thoroughly competent. With all forms of elective surgery there is a small minority who wish they had made a different decision, but it is always their decision,. no one elses.The better the personality, the better the outcome of such surgery. Despite the best clinical care,and screening, the occasional unstable personality will slip through. Russell has a very high satisfaction rate as he makes excellent clinical decisions.
In 2002 I rang Dr Russell Reid's office and spoke to his secretary, I wanted an appointment to determine whetherbI was Transsexual, though in my mind I knew I was. After a short discussion a few weeks later, it was decided between myself and Dr Reid. That at that time I was not ready for transition, as I had just recently lost my Father due to cancer a few months eaerlier.
This year in March 2006, some 3 and a half years later, I saw my GP about referal for Gender Dysphoria. I changed my name by deed poll the next month, and I am now 7 months or more living full time as Stephanie. I have changed my details with all local and national Government departments, Electoral roll, utility companies and I've now applied for my female passport. I have a meeting with a consultant psychiatrist in January who can refer me onto the Gender Reassignment programme. Hopefully I will be allowed my hormones before christmas 2007.
What my story shows is that Dr Reid was right, that in 2002 I was not mentally strong enough face the difficult road that is transition, though I am now.
It also shows he does not push people into transition, otherwise he would have recommended an appointment for me before I was ready.
Thank you Dr Reid, you helped me out at a time I was in need of it, all the best with the case, and you get the right verdict, INNOCENT.
yours truly,
Miss Stephanie Butterfield
Dear all,
To meet a clever, intelligent practitioner who offered a carefully considered solution to the unphamoble and seemingly unsolvable. In the most caring and humane way help me and others to live a life that is our destiny. With no shame but with a sense of worth and pride. A rare gift and a rare man. Whatever happens next I and many others have been enriched by meeting with and talking with you.
I've just read the outline of Dr Russell Reids predicament and I'm shocked at the accusations - I saw Dr Reid 9 years ago and since then I have also been under the care of the other members of the CX team.
I hold a belief that Dr Reid is very aware of transgender issues because he is the only member of the Charring Cross team who has ever referred to a personal perspective in making a conscious decision to identify as male.
I believe that for many people, the point of decision is not ever experienced, although it seems likely that a spectrum of awareness is possible in this generally intimate and deeply personal inner space. There is no tolerance I can easily refer to for the moment of freedom in which any individual may choose a fitting gender identity and the confirmation of a socio-gender role.
Dr Reid's position is one of victim to the nature of intolerance without testament to the irrational basis that preys on an individual who is regarded in ignorance as a member of a minority. Shame; we are all a minority of one, it takes a gifted person like Dr Reid to allow us to find unity within our selves.
I know he will appreciate words of support and connection in the face of such dissonant action.
Without Dr Reid's presence of character I would not be here today, he is the rolling model (of stone). Alexandra Crawford.
I'm post-op thanks to Dr. Russell Reid and Mr Royle. I saw Russell on a regular basis from 1997 through to 1999 when I was a student at Kent Uni. He was very thorough, very professional, and prepared to go the extra mile for his patients. I think it's dreadful that he's getting attacked in such a way.
If people want to take hormones and surgically alter their body they should accept full responsibility for their actions and not blame Russell if it was the wrong thing to do. After all he did not physically force them to take hormones or sign the consent form for surgery.
If they were telling lies in the consulting room then that's their fault, not Russell's! Some people might be more vulnerable than others, but they still know what they're getting into. If they can read and memorise transsexual biographies they're not morons!
I got hormones straight away from my GP at Kent Uni straiight after telling her how I felt. This was six months before I saw *any* psychiatrist. (I saw one at Charing Cross Hospital - but thanks to the NHS lottery I could only get one appointment there!)
Thanks to my GP I was on hormones a full nine months before I saw Dr. Reid. I was as happy with the efects of the hormones as I am now. I wouldn't change a thing. If people were going to nit pick over proceedure in my case, my old GP and the pshrink at Charing Cross (who never told the GP to stop prescribing the hormones!) are the guily ones. By not telling my GP *they broke the guidelines* -but that's all they are -guidelines.
At the time I first presented I'd read a biog, but I hadn't read *any* guidelines. -No point!
I was just 100% honest about myself whenever I presented to a doctor - with the net result of happiness!
I only know a couple of other TSs now. I hardly ever see them. I'm not part of any scene. But I am prepared to come out of the woodwork and say that I think the attack on Russell Reid is indicative of double standards and maybe just maybe an attempt by certain clinicians to empire build!
If I hadn't got hormones straight away from my GP lets face it I would've just bought them over the internet. This would've been fairly easy to do. Just look at all the ads for Valium that land in every office e-mail system! Mail order addresses for hormones frequently got posted to a mailing list I used to subscribe to! If I had gone down this route I would've been entirely responsible for my own actions. But I'm glad I didn't expose myself to those risks!
Seeing Dr. Reid gave me an opportunity to do things more legitimately with proper ongoing medical supervision, ongoing medical supervison that was not at the time available to transsexuals in East Kent through the NHS.
Being transsexual messed me up in my teens and early 20s before Dr Reid helped me to start putting things right. If I had to I'd do exactly the same thing again! If I hadn't sorted things out I'd still be depressed, probably wouldn't have completed my MA or been able to hold a job down.
When I got settled in an affordable housing association flat in East London (partly thanks to a letter from Dr. Reid - again thanks!) there was no clinical need for me to see him any more. I had a further appointment with Charing Cross Hospital (partly to let them know I'm still here! - and partly because I was persuaded to do so by another post-op TS) The rest is history.
If you're reading this I miss you Dr. Reid. Also I miss Chrissie from the waiting room.
I'm doing fine now and if I ever see either of you again I'd like to buy some drinks to say thanks.
Best.
Katherine Bone
I'm post-op thanks to Dr. Russell Reid and Mr Royle. I saw Russell on a regular basis from 1997 through to 1999 when I was a student at Kent Uni. He was very thorough, very professional, and prepared to go the extra mile for his patients. I think it's dreadful that he's getting attacked in such a way.
If people want to take hormones and surgically alter their body they should accept full responsibility for their actions and not blame Russell if it was the wrong thing to do. After all he did not physically force them to take hormones or sign the consent form for surgery.
If they were telling lies in the consulting room then that's their fault, not Russell's! Some people might be more vulnerable than others, but they still know what they're getting into. If they can read and memorise transsexual biographies they're not morons!
I got hormones straight away from my GP at Kent Uni straiight after telling her how I felt. This was six months before I saw *any* psychiatrist. (I saw one at Charing Cross Hospital - but thanks to the NHS lottery I could only get one appointment there!)
Thanks to my GP I was on hormones a full nine months before I saw Dr. Reid. I was as happy with the efects of the hormones as I am now. I wouldn't change a thing. If people were going to nit pick over proceedure in my case, my old GP and the pshrink at Charing Cross (who never told the GP to stop prescribing the hormones!) are the guily ones. By not telling my GP *they broke the guidelines* -but that's all they are -guidelines.
At the time I first presented I'd read a biog, but I hadn't read *any* guidelines. -No point!
I was just 100% honest about myself whenever I presented to a doctor - with the net result of happiness!
I only know a couple of other TSs now. I hardly ever see them. I'm not part of any scene. But I am prepared to come out of the woodwork and say that I think the attack on Russell Reid is indicative of double standards and maybe just maybe an attempt by certain clinicians to empire build!
If I hadn't got hormones straight away from my GP lets face it I would've just bought them over the internet. This would've been fairly easy to do. Just look at all the ads for Valium that land in every office e-mail system! Mail order addresses for hormones frequently got posted to a mailing list I used to subscribe to! If I had gone down this route I would've been entirely responsible for my own actions. But I'm glad I didn't expose myself to those risks!
Seeing Dr. Reid gave me an opportunity to do things more legitimately with proper ongoing medical supervision, ongoing medical supervison that was not at the time available to transsexuals in East Kent through the NHS.
Being transsexual messed me up in my teens and early 20s before Dr Reid helped me to start putting things right. If I had to I'd do exactly the same thing again! If I hadn't sorted things out I'd still be depressed, probably wouldn't have completed my MA or been able to hold a job down.
When I got settled in an affordable housing association flat in East London (partly thanks to a letter from Dr. Reid - again thanks!) there was no clinical need for me to see him any more. I had a further appointment with Charing Cross Hospital (partly to let them know I'm still here! - and partly because I was persuaded to do so by another post-op TS) The rest is history.
If you're reading this I miss you Dr. Reid. Also I miss Chrissie from the waiting room.
I'm doing fine now and if I ever see either of you again I'd like to buy some drinks to say thanks.
Best.
Katherine Bone
Dr. Reid,
Just over 10 years ago you set me on the right road by prescribing me hormones and starting my transition. From as far back as I can remember I had known that I was really male. Until the age of 35 I had lived a life fractured from reality, alienated from others and from myself. The last thing I needed at that stage was the humiliation of the cruelly misnamed "real life test".
I wanted to stop feeling like a freak, not be made to feel more like one. You offered me a way past that ordeal, an act of compassionate care for which I will be eternally grateful. You made the right call sir. I am now settled and enjoying my career. My wife and I were married in May this year (after waiting for 11 years) and we are extremely happy. Whatever happens, I hope it is some consolation to you that you saved my life and offered me the chance to live it to the full. God bless.
Dr Russell Read
I am writing to add my support to those who wish to defend Dr Read. I have met Dr Reid on a number of occasions and always found him to be kind, considerate and professional with me, as it seems with the majority of his patients.
I am a post-operative transsexual (male to female) and haven't accessed treatment on the NHS for some years now and cannot comment on the current or most recent situation. When I met Dr Reid he asked me if I were happy with the treatment I was receiving and enquired how things were progressing. I think that he had a good relationship with Dr Don Montgomery at the time that I knew him and Dr Montgomery was the doctor in whose care I had been placed when I became an NHS patient.
Dr Reid impresses most people who approach him for assistance by his kindness, courtesy, consideration and professionalism. My knowledge of this condition is subjective but I find myself agreeing with the statements made by the majority of those who suffers with this and those clinicians who do their best to grapple with a subject best described by a former colleague of Dr Reid’s as “the most inexact “science” in all of the Behavioural Science.” As this Dr has gone on to say in his supportive statement in the Blog set up to receive these on the web, and was also my experience, that “the practitioner’s task is to help to apply the proper questions to answers already solidified - in many cases (as it was in mine) - by the individual.
It appears to me that in reality it is “the system which... is under attack here” and it is this which has prompted me to write in support of Dr Reid whose “masterful, empathetic, caring and above all – professional” treatment of the majority of his patients is testified by the those were direct recipients of this and have gone on to lead fulfilled, creative and happy lives.
Yours sincerely
Helen Gilroy
I have sent a copy of this letter in the post today - Be strong Russell and I do hope that the case is resolved in your favour.
it s my personal opinion that it is dr. montgomery who should be taken to court and struck off, not you . he s a devious , and envious man who has wasted years of some patients lives for the income it provides him, with no thought what so ever for their happiness or disintergrating lives. i and a number of other have persisted because there has been no alternative only to become victims of his callous mind games
I was a patient of Russel Reid back in 1997. I had, by then lived as a man for two years successfully, but the NHS refused to give me hormones because I was sexually abused as a child. I didn't know where to go next. I contacted Russel Reid at his private clinic and told him I had no money to pay for a private consultation but still he was prepared to see me and gave me a consultation. Russel was totally professional in his approach to my life circumstances and advised me in all of the options and guide lines set out for trans people before taking irreversable hormone treatment. He listened to every detail in the consultation and I felt very at ease with him at all times.If it wasn't for this man and his totally professional and caring nature, I would not have received my hormone treatment. I am so grateful to you Russel and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am a happy, healthy male, enjoying life as I should be and you have my full support. Nat Moneypenny
what utter claptrap. And CHX dont have those with regrets , I suppose? Davina.
Hi Dr Reid,
We are still in contact, but I am not sure I have stated my view on the what CX and Co. are up to.
You were there for me when they were not, if it were not for you, I would be dead now. You allowed me to transition in a way that was appropriate for me. Its 4 years on and life is so good. Had I gone the Cx route, once again I would not be here. I now have a media profile, once again thanks to you.
I am sure it will go well for you, you can see by the views on this site and others that the majority of support is with you.
I wish you every success, and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Rachel Reese
I am very sorry to hear of this case as i understood that you had done many good things for the transgendered community. I am currently fighting my own demons in this respect and was hoping at some later point to seek your advice. But not till i leave the Army, i can hang on a bit longer. I hope that you can hang on as well.
Billie
Dear Doctor Reid
I just wanted to show my support for a person who has done so much for trans people like me. In 1996 when my life was at its lowest & I could no longer deny my feelings I desperately needed help. You treated me with great understanding & respect. I felt I could trust you with my very sole. You had a tremendous empathy for my dilemma. You listened & offered support in such a positive way. You gave me your honest opinion. You told me the truth, not just what I wanted to hear. It was my life, my decisions. You made it very plain only I could decide what was best for me. Above all you gave me hope. You gave my life clarity where there was chaos. You allowed me to start hormone treatment, it was my choice. Thank God you were kind enough to listen & not judge. I only met you a few times over the following years but I knew you were there to care for me.
The news of your trial by the General Medical Council has come as a great shock to me. For some ill intentioned people who appear to have their own hidden agenda & professional jealousies, to attack someone who has done so much to help rather than hinder people, who are often suffering so much, is a real tragedy. I was privileged to have met you & feel so sorry for those people now denied your help. If your accusers have any conscious they should feel ashamed of themselves. They are denying patients the very care they are supposed to provide. Their selfish acts are potentially doing untold damage to the future of all trans people seeking help.
Due to personal & family issues I have so far been unable to transition. If your accusers suggest you, encourage, or hurry people into making decisions, I am sadly the perfect answer. I need to transition for my own health. One day I will transition but when I do it will be because nature gave me no choice not because anyone told me to. Dr Reid gave me the chance not the choice! I will always be thankful for that.
Good luck Russell
Best wishes
Debbie Knight
Hi Russell
I just wanted to give you my support over this witch hunt
All i can add is you only ever treated me with compassion and respect , unlike Charing X .
And I'm happy and healthy ,
which wouldnt have been the case without your help .
I Wish you all the best
and hope you are well Russell
love and hugs.
Geraldine (Earls Court)
I was so relieved to find a caring and considerate response to my problem of gender identity. Many years of being brushed off by (frankly) misunderstanding doctors has played havoc with my life. Doctor Reid finally gave me support and impressed my own family doctor, too. Being in my 60s when I finally discovered Dr Reid, was a late but incredible relief. I had also consulted another well know clinic but Dr. Reid's care and attention was comparatively outstanding. I am horrified that the one person who has actually helped is being treated with such disrespect by people in his profession. Thank you Dr. Reid.
Paul, Devon
Dear Russell,
I found you a genuine, caring person and it was always a pleasure to meet up with you. I wish you all the best for your future.
Suzanne Walker
Dear Russell,
You may conceivably remember me from the late 1980s, when I was your patient first at Charing Cross hospital, and later at the London Institute.
I will forever be indebted to you, as without your efforts, including the advice you provided to my employer (EASAMS Ltd) that facilitated my transition at work, I would have had no real quality of life. Although you did give me an early referral, this was clearly on the basis of having known me for 4 years at that point, and of assessing my balanced state and absolute certainty that I could only live in my true gender. I have never regretted my decision in nearly 20 years, and you knew I wouldn't.
I recall in particular another patient at Charing Cross who was seeing Dr Montgomery, now one of your accusers. She told me that she hoped to get her referral in a year's time, after having lived for no fewer than 11 years in her 'Real Life Test'. Yet it was clear to me that she was well adjusted, and would not even have been able to physically pass as a man if she had wanted to. Others complained of very harsh treatment at Charing Cross (by other doctors in the GIC).
I firmly believe that it was against this backdrop of austerity and faltering hope that you moved to the London Institute, in the hope of improving the quality of life of your patients.
In this you have succeeded beyond anyone's wildest dreams. It is such an irony now, that it should be the one person who understood and cared most of all about his patients, that now stands accused.
Whatever the judgement of the current proceedings, your real legacy is the trail of mended lives of your patients.
Kindest Regards,
Marianne
Just to let you know that the very members of the Public whom the General Medical Council (GMC) fervently claims to be protecting - are currently rejecting the GMC 'en masse' athttp://petitions.pm.gov.uk/AbolishGMC/.
Another related article on the matter appears here . . . and it also seems that a UK Political Party (with a profound Human Rights ethic)has also publicly endorsed the petition here !
Hi Dr Reid,
Sending you my very best wishes and prayers at this horrible time for you. You provided me with the ability to have a life when CX would have put me though 5 more years of hell in the wrong body, and with no respect for who I was/am.
Without your professionalism and understanding and kindness I wouldn't be alive now. Fact. I am living proof of your good work. You are very much part of so many of our lives. Thinking of you.
Janine Elliot
Dear Dr Russel
I would like to take this opptunity to say thank you for being thyre when i saw your for nrly a year and a half and i was saddend to hear whats going on , Your a good man who has helped many people through theyre rough and theyre smooth and if it wasnt for you you wouldnt have made so many people happy ! ( like myself and many ohters), thank you for letting me become the pearson that was allways thyre and with out you i propbley wouldnt be alive , With due to respect that the way that the nhs treated me and kept me waiting all the time ! , so i belive in my own mind that your a winner and you will get through this case ! never forget your a winner cus you helped so many of us ! so god bless and my preyres are with you at this time .
Love from
Gemma Hodgkiss
Hi!
Without Dr RR's approval of my SRS that took place may 15 1990 those lines would not have been written.
It's wrong to give the concern for those that regret precedence over concern for those that are rejected "just to be sure".
I'm very thankful there has been a person as Dr Reid that really cared for us TS.
I wish You all the best for the future! /Marta
Coming across you was a turning point in my life. I am grateful for the way you always treated me like a human being rather than as a diagnosis or a disorder. I never left your consultation room feeling disrespected or diminished, which is more than i can say about many of my experiences with the NHS. I think there are many many FTMs who would say the same too.
On 20th January 2004 I wrote to Russell Reid: - “Dear Dr. Reid, I read with disbelief today of the charges being brought against you by Donald Montgomery, James Barratt, and Richard Green, ex colleagues of yours I think?
I am and ex patient of yours in 2000-01and was very pleased with your diagnoses and treatment of me. Without your support I would not have been able to obtain the treatment in Thailand which I still firmly believe was the correct decision made by me, and for me with your support. Your input was to facilitate treatment for which I am very grateful. Thank you!
Please be reassured that I support your interpretation of the H. Benjamin protocols in my case and would certainly support the view that a regimen of cross gender hormone treatment constitute a useful diagnostic tool. Hence debating the three month issue misses the point and is ultimately nonsense.
I think you offer a vital service for transsexual people in the UK in contrast to the inadequate NHS provisions – yesterday Lord Filkin quoted 364 GRS cases in the last 5 years. I wonder how many patients you saw who underwent surgery in that period? And what the relative percentage of successful outcomes is? But what do I know? I’m just the patient!
I wish you every success in repelling the charges.
Best wishes"
I am ashamed at the behaviour of so few who will affect the lives of so many.
Being transgender is tough enough and we do not need the very heart of our existence ripped out by deranged individuals, who hood winked the very professionals trying to help them.
We all have the ability to understand our inner feelings, Dr Reid your job is to help us untangle these feelings, and you do this so well, if patients are not being truthful about the way they feel, and I suspect this to have been the case, then no matter how much you helped or how good a professional you are nothing would have ever been right. I also suspect these few have been hammered by so called friends/relatives that they made a mistake after the event, which is what I have personally experianced, you look awful-why did you do it and all that jazz it made me want to run away, many times, but im stronger, just like all my fellow TS's who have faced the same struggle, there is no easy path not before or post op. So what have these lost souls done, hit back at the very people who helped them, lets blame Russell, well who else is there to blame?
- How about themselves ?
They say they have no financial motive, i should coco....we will see in due course.
Lets hope the GMC does not have tunnelled vision and can see this too...
Russell stand firm, stand strong, stand proud and know this - you are loved and respected by many whatever the outcome, I belive we will all stand by you, I know I will....
Kindest regards
Stacey Morgan
Hi Russell,
I really dont know what else to say other than Thank you !!
You have changed mine and my partners life forever. Without you we wouldnt be so happy.
You made life so much easier and and understandable.
Good Luck
Katie & Sophie
Russell,
Perhaps your biggest sin was believing what your patients told you and treating them humanely. Certainly, what I had heard of other so called professionals (who did apply the Harry Benjamin standards) had put me off going near any of them, despite the fact that I knew I was a girl from the age of six although I did not dare tell anyone till my late teens. Many of us are sensible people who know what we need and want. The standards of care impose just create further suffering and are too rigid. I have had hormone treatment and took the decision not to specifically have the operation but not rule it out either. Had I told this to any one other than you I would have been refused treatment and possibly rather than making the best of a bad job, my life might have taken a very different turn for the worse. I wish you well and like many others am very grateful to you.
I have been GID all my life (since 5years old). I saw a psych privately in 1974 and got nowhere for a weeks wages. In the new millenium I saw Dr Russell Reid, who confirmed me as definately GID but there was no way he put ANY ideas in my mind to make physical changes and no short cuts. A gentle and kindly gradual series of medications, with contact with my GP and great care to ensure my health. Thank you Russell. Paul. happygolightly@hotmail.com
I would like to stand up and add my name to the list of people who owe Dr Reid so very much. After hearing the many, MANY horror stories of the CX gender clinic, and how they make their patients jump through unjustified hoops, I know I would never have survived that ordeal. I needed to find a doctor who understood my condition, and was there to help, not make me jump through hoops to prove my condition. And I found that in Russell Reid.
Thank you Russell for the care and understanding you showed me and for getting me onto the road of transition. I'm now just a couple months away from SRS, and I know I would never be this close, or perhaps even alive, without your help. I hope with all my heart this hearing goes well for you and we can all stick one to the CX psychological butchers.
xx
Renee (Suffolk)
As an ex client of both Dr Reid and the morons at Charing Cross I wish to express my full solidarity with Russell.
FFS the decision involved was made I believe whilst he was working at Charing Cross. Why was the case not reviewed amongst the clinic's doctors as should be normal practice and how have those bastards not only managed to absolve their own resposibilities but then turned on their colleague. Mafia? Vendetta? Of couse not they're psychiatrists the arbitrators of sanity.
Maximum respect and lots of love Dr Reid and thanks for listening. Auguri per la tua nuova vita nel bel paese, non ti fidare mai degli inglesi! Only joking.
The CHX system and the Harry Benjamin Guidelines are total asses. The only way to manage a transition is in the transitioners own terms. I can see many more people simply abandoning the UK for such treatment and going the self-prescription route, under the simple supervision of their GP, as did my partner. This allowed her to manage her own case at her own pace and she brought in a UK Gender Specialist very late in the day when all the major decisions were already behind her.
A system that forces everyone to conform to a harsh linear route with multiple visits to gender clinic is there for the benefit of one class of person only. The hypocritical shysters and quacks who run the system.
You, Russell, never deserved the horrible persecution that has taken place. The prosecution keep repeating that you received patients without GP referral - Precisely why I came to you having been frogmarched out of a GP surgery 40 years ago and never daring to mention my issues to a GP again, nor even knowing that Charing Cross existed ('We do tend to keep a low profile', one of their psychiatrists once told me). You are an astounding psychiatrist and thank you for all you did professionally in enabling me to find happiness within myself. Thoughts and prayers with you. Charlotte. Cheshire.
The headlines today should read "Russell Reid guilty of listening to patients and sparing them pain and suffering whenever possible."
Russell unquestionably saved my life. His revolutionary treatment is called 'listening'.
I wish a few more doctors would try it. My treatment before finding Russell ran from indifference, to contempt to something bordering on sadism.
One of the specialists who has made it his business to go after Russell spent half an hour with me and then wrote a report which referred to me by two different names, neither of them mine, and containing so many factual mistakes I think he must have just made it up.
Some of those who style themselves as specialists in this field seem to take an active pleasure in putting patients through a kind of hell, as though this somehow proves gender dysphoria. It doesn't. It just demonstrates a person's tolerance for emotional anguish and distress. Russell's focus with me was always on finding the best way forward rather than trying to make me conform to some theoretical model. I guess there's no place for a pragmatist in today's medical establishment.
Dr. Reid is undoubtedly fallible (shock horror, 'doctor is human' scandal'!) but he has an understanding of the complexity of human beings that is sadly rare in the medical profession. He also expects patients to take some responsibility for themselves, rather than infantilising them. It was such a revelation to meet a doctor whose middle name wasn't 'patronising'.
Thank you, Russell, for crediting me with some intelligence and with some degree of self-knowledge. Thank you for listening.
You've become a victim of professional jealousy from a bunch of arrogant medical jobsworths, and of our 'my life isn't perfect - who can I blame?' culture.
But don't let it get you down. You've helped countless people, saved many lives, healed innumerable others. Now put your feet up and write your memoirs. And put me down for a copy.
Yours,
Very happy, and still very much alive,
Sarah, Canada
I was refered to see Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic back in Dec 04, after six months I had not received an appointment. I informed my GP about Dr Reid, and promptly gained an appointment. I found Dr Reid both proffessional and empathised with my Gender Dyphoria. I had had many months of counselling before seeing Dr Reid, It is now May 2007 and I still do not have my appointment with Charing Cross, even after many letters and phone calls from my primary mental health trust. Without the support and proffessionalism I do not want to think of where I would be if I had not had him as my gender psychiatrist and the nesscessary support he gave my GP in the shared care arrangement. I am now nearly at the the final stage of my transition, only awaiting final surgery when I can afford it having been let down by Charing Cross GID.
Sandra J Collins - you weren't "right all along". This isn't a contest and you're not the winner.
No one here is "kissing ass". I haven't spoken with Dr Reid in five years, but I made my way here because I was appalled that a man who had helped so many was being so unjustly treated.
All of us who are born with an internal contradiction of mind and body forever ask that we be judged for who we are, not how we're portrayed or labelled.
Give to Dr. Reid what you would ask for yourself, Sandra. And listen to all of us who actually know the man a little.
5 'mistakes' out of the many thousands you have helped throughout the years (including me!)? They should give you a medal!
One of the nicest, most caring people I have ever met. I feel privileged to have been among your patients, and would trust you with my life!
On behalf of myself, and my many friends who have visited you - our thanks for being there for us.
Freya xxx
Dear Russell
I am yet another of your grateful patients, and I was upset but not surprised to read of the judgement against you.
To accuse you of pushing people into unwanted surgery is ridiculous. On the contrary, it is us who have had to do all the pushing and persuading.
Although you were kind and empathetic at our sessions in the early 90's, you were also honest about your doubts in my case. I quote from your letter to my GP after our first appointment:
"...It could just be that his interest in cross-gender living and taking hormones is another facet of his existential curiosity. I got the impression that he may be essentially homosexual but not happy as such and searching for a better alternative."
If that is pushing, I'd hate to see active discouragement!
The point is, you were prepared to give your patients the benefit of the doubt and allow us to make our own decisions. That entailed an element of risk for you as well as for us. That is a consquence of being an adult.
That you have a few patients who regret surgery is sad but inevitable. That they blame it on you is despicable.
You gave me a future, for which I will always be grateful. Please accept my very best wishes for your future. You take with you into retirement the affection and gratitude of the vast majority of the trans community.
Toni B, London
It is not an exageration to say (Dr. Reid) you saved my life at a time the Charing Cross GIC NHS system had let me down.
I can't put it any more simply!
I've even told Dr. Montgommery the same thing. He just looked down at me through his specticles, precariously purched on the end of his nose, & said i'd only seen Russell to obtain hormones and 'you're out of step with the programme'.
Whatever that means?
He then said, with a curious look on his face, that he offers private treatment, but patients don't see him. He then answered his own question by saying 'i use the same system as the GIC'. I kept a straight face, just.
I saw Russell over two years ago, and am still waiting for the NHS Charing Cross GIC to make a referral! Thats the 'system'.
So thankyou for the kindness & support you showed me at a time it was desperately needed.
I feel it's shamefull the 'system' has done to you what it does to many Transpeople as standard. Namely judge & isolate over a long period of time. Not actually helping anyone, just assessing.
In the experience of myself & many friends, people went to you for 'care' and went to charing cross for 'assessment'.
What a wonderful legacy to leave behind.....
Even in the face of others hostile judgements, I hope these messages do renew your self belief.
Thankyou Russell.
Andrea
I was saddened to read of the GMC's ruling.
In a climate of increasing understanding and social awareness, I find it quite ironic, and tragic, that one of those responsible for the succesful treatment and care of so many of us has been held liable for the disgruntlement of a morally dubious few.
Russel, I hope you take solace in the fact that irrespective of the ruling, you can enjoy your retirement safe in the knowledge that you truly have improved the lives of your patients for the better and I, for one, am deeply grateful for your care and understanding at a time when it was much needed.
My very best wishes
Niamh
p.s. the lads offshore say hi! :)
Dear Russell
I was, unfortunately, NOT one of your patients and had to suffer at the hands of one of your recent persecutors at Charing X Hospital. I did, however, meet you once in Oxford at Exeter College and was struck by your warmth and sympathy for your subject and your clients' predicament. I felt then - and still do - that I would much have preferred to have been looked after by you, during what was one of the most traumatic periods of my life.
Notwithstanding the trauma and the humiliation suffered under the hands of those gatekeepers of CX, I have turned out to be a moderately stable and productive member of society and feel that I may have managed that earlier and more successfully had I been under your care in those early days. I envy those who, on this blog, profess to have been one of 'your successes' and I wish you to know that I have only respect for you and the principles with which you worked during your professional lifetime.
Good Luck - and know that many people walk with you!
Dear Russell,
I am so pleased that a line can be drawn under this case brought by the Charing Cross Mafia.
Although not a patient of yours (I'm with your successor) I was so pleased to have met you in March at the GMC. You struck me as a deeply caring, considerate man and I wish that I was under your care.
Hugs
Amélie
(St Paul sur Isere, France)
Hi Russell,
I suppose if you are recognised as a leader in any field - there will always be those who resent your success and reputation.
Working in this field there will also always be a few individuals who are totally convinced that life is better on the other side of the hill - then find that transition and surgery in itself doesn't solve anything!
In any other field a 99+% success rate would be considered incredible.
I wonder too how many NHS clients were "unsuccessful" not only because they later regretted the move (and I know at least 1) or who were unable to survive the regime imposed by GICs?
I hope my work as a counsellor achieves the same success rate that you've achieved.
From a personal perspective, I'm delighted with my life as Helen; I had a 60th birthday party this month and around 50 people came from all over to help me celebrate. I know I wouldn't have been able to survive the GIC route - if they'd have accepted me in the first place. So THANKS RUSSELL!
Helen -
Manchester
Russell,
As I said before the GMC hearing doesnt matter a whit to me nor to many other girls I know.
To me and them you ARE THE PERSON who saved our lives quite literally and that counts for more to me than what a bunch of people who dont even understand transsexuality think. They werent there and have no idea what its like to be transsexual and turned away by every other doctor.
I will NEVER forget you and the help and understanding you gave me at a time in my life when I had nowhere else to go.
There are times when people of courage and visson are attacked by the mediocre and the weak for doing whats right -
Please take heart in knowing there are so many girls like me who owe you everything we have.
Melanie
Dear Russell,
You'll always remain 'Uncle Russell' to many of us and I, like thousands of others, sincerely thank you and wish you well now that that sword of Damocles has dropped.
Lots of love and hugs,
Jayne xx
Dear Russell,
I hope that after all you have been through you are well, and I hope that these message of support have been of some comfort to you.
As I posted earlier, I am truely grateful for your help in gettng me through difficult times: indeed had it not been for you, I doubt that I would be here to type this.
kind regards and best wishes
Kirstin
Hi am gobsmacked, disgusted and angry with the GMC's decision. At at a time of difficulty Uncle Russell was a friend, he certainly did not push me into any decisions, and have given me the chance to progess at a speed that is right for me. I utterley fail to see what CHx's motivation is other than miscief, certainly under their "care" I would have been faced with pressures that I could not have handled.
As to the failed transitioners, it is time for them to take responsibility for their own actions without interfering with my right for treatment, we all take decisions that are sometimes wrong, much of their reasoing seems to be on the lines of blaming the car and the manufacturer rather than themselves if they have an accident whilst driving at an excess speed.
I certainly hope that you will appeal against the GMC decision.
I can only emaphasise that I am for ever grateful for your help.
Lindie
I self-referred to Dr Reid 7 years ago and was extremely satisfied with the treatment that I received, and I thank him for that.
Dr Reid's ethos that transsexual people are sane, rational adults capable of self-determination is one that resonates strongly with the transsexual community that is tired of being treated in humiliating and degrading ways (to test our ability to cope with humiliation and degradation).
That being said, transition is a highly stressful and traumatic experience for many and psychiatric evaluation every 3 months does appear to be insufficient, in my opinion. I regret the lack psychotherapy and/or counselling in my own treatment. I spent the first few years after transition in a state of constant stress and paranoia and could really have done with additional help and support.
Transsexual people should have the right to have a say in their own treatment. It's true that for many TS people, especially male to female transsexuals, hormones and surgery will not materially change how they are perceived by others. The GICs treat people on the assumption of the worst case scenario, that everyone they treat will be visibly gender variant and their role in treating these individuals is to make sure that these people understand what it is they're letting themselves in for, and, if after many years they're still keen then they'll refer to surgery and other things if local PCT funding allows.
Dr Reid appears to start with the assumption that at least a good proportion of his patients will have some degree of pass-ability and thus gives them the opportunity to postpone transition until there's a reasonable probability that it can be done successfully. This is a significantly more humane approach and those who will never pass will at least know, in advance, that this will be the case and thus have more realistic expectations when they go into RLT.
The attempt by the GIC to get this model of treatment catagorised as "serious professional misconduct" is a serious blow to the rights of transsexual people to determine their own treatment regimes to some degree.
As long as there's no empirical test for "transsexualism" and as long as there's no solid concrete way of discerning who will and won't respond well to treatment then really the treatment of TS people is very much voodoo witch-craft and superstition. It's unbelievable that Dr Reid has been considered incompetent simply for choosing to listen to patients who he considers sane, responsible adults in charge of their own destiny and, quite frankly, enough problems as it is without the misery of the GIC one-size-fits-all approach.
My main concern now is this: Is my own diagnosis still valid? What should I do if my GP decides to stop giving me hormones because of this ruling?
I was stunned when I heard what was happening to you... You were the man who threw a lifeline out to me all those years ago. You certainly didn't push me in any direction, you helped me reach my own conclusions and then to travel that journey across the genders.
I am one of the vast majority who has much to thank you for what you have done for me and many others.
Feb 2001 DESPERATE..then made appointment with RR
MAR 2001 The road was clear
NOV 2002 Thailand and G.R.S
NOW happy and contented all down to you.
Some people are taking advantage of you and some are in it for "compensation" (a horrid word)
All I know for sure is you came through for me when I needed you.
Good luck..you have a lot of friends out here C.F in Reading
TS is an appalling condition to cope with. I have come through it to find incredible joy and happiness, the journey itself being a mixture of suicidal lows and glimpses of the joy that may JUST be possible, the joy of being your true self after so many years of falsehood, of self disgust.
For those who don’t understand, think of getting intimate with someone of the gender you are not attracted to, ie, a hetero man with a hetero man. Think of the disgust of getting close, really close to that body. Then think of living IN it. That’s what gender dysphoria is like.
Handling a condition like this is unlike any other ‘medical’ condition. It all comes down to confidence, confidence to face the truth, to face the change, to get through the change, to present a new self to the world.
Dr Reid used confidence as his approach. He had passion, he had courage and that’s what the majority of his cases needed an thrived on. Nothing less would get the results.
There is no definitive test for TS and so there will be misdiagnosis. The misdiagnosed group will fare worse in a confident regime than a conservative regime. But the larger group will fare much better on the confidence than on conservatism, so the greater benefit to the greater number is with the confident approach.
Thank you, Russell.
Dr Reid: to be treated with dignity, respect and genuine warmth is something I wish I had had the opportunity to experience during my transition: despite the lack of same, I had the strength to eventually make it through the system at Charing Cross and achieved a good outcome and a very happy life.
Please don't be downhearted by the outcome of this case nor the blinkered publicity: maybe your attitudes will become the norm one day instead of an attitude of patronising condescension and resistance.
My very best regards to you
Russell,
I know of your very great committment to trans people and in view of my own committment I am greatly saddened by what has happened.My group and also my clients without exception have been thinking of you over the last months and have said how much they respect you and how kind and caring and also professional they know you to be, Please accept our most sincere wishes and healing thoughts at this time. It would be good to hear from you sometime.
Barbara
Whatever the outcome had been, You will always be a very special person to me and have my unlimited respect.
You trated me in a very professional way and at no time did you try to persuade me one way or the other.
I could not have been in better hands, now coming up to 4 years post op and not regretting one moment of that time.
Thank you Dr Reid, A professional through and through and a friend for life.
Jilly Bowman
past patient.
A couple of years ago, when no-one else wanted to know, Russell Reid prescribed hormones for someone I had yet to meet.
That "someone" was diagnosed gender-dysphoric by Dr Reid, and recommended for surgery. I met her for the first time some four weeks after surgery, and we have lived together ever since. We will marry as soon as she receives her Gender Recognition Certificate.
I don't know Doctor Reid. However, he gave me my bride, and with her my future happiness. For this I thank him from the bottom of my heart.
Dear Doctor Reid,
I am so glad that the GMC has allowed you to continue practising. I will forever be grateful to you for the humane, respectful and professional way you treated me.
I hope you do not tire of hearing thanks. I know it has almost become a cliche to say this, but you saved my life. You helped me at the most desperate and vulnerable time in my life, gave me back my self-respect and your gentleness gave me hope.
I hope that the GMC hearing has not exacted a toll on your own health and well-being.
Thankyou Doctor Reid. Please resume your practise now that this wholly unnecesary hearing is over.
With thanks and respect,
Christina Alley
(Former-patient)
Thank you Dr. Reid for your humane approach and ability to think outside of the box. Guidelines, restrictions, and fear of litigation here in the states nearly cost me my life.
A professional at EVMS and surgery following in Scottsdale took thirty years. With the help of my many friends in the UK who adore you I found the path.
Your supporters are worldwide!
Melissa Gale
Chesapeake, Virginia
Physician-patient decisions on all forms of treatment should be sacrosanct. When an individual seeks medical help and a provider agrees to provide it or recommend it no other authority should have any role in that decision process or be allowed to sit in judgment.
It's just crazy that the Jealousy of ChX so called experts has led them to bring the action that has culminated in the guilty verdict on Britain's greatest Gender Identity professional. Both in my profession as a clinical psychotherapist and as a past client of Dr. Reid I know that without his skill and caring manner there would have been more suicides of pre-op transsexual people. I could easily have been one of them! Having been wrongly diagnosed in 1973 by the NHS and then refused help in 1998, it was only thanks to Dr. Reid that I was able to make the transition that should have happened 25 years earlier. Since that time my life has changed out of all recognition. Thank you Russell for your integrity and faith in me.
The decision of the GMC is scandalous, and Green and Barrett bringing this action in the first place certainly shows their lack of caring for transsexual people.
Emma Martin (Cambridgeshire)
Russell
you won and the witchhunters failed. Thanks for helping us all
Claire
Thank you very much Russel, you have been a great help to me in getting over my gender disphoriaq, I feel privileged to know you, and if there had been anything more I could have done to repay your kindness I would. If I cand do anything to help you in the future please ask.
Rev, Wena D. Parry
From Stephenie Robinson
I am amazed and appalled at the GMC ruling, to be sure it looks as though there decision making is way off beam and not impartial as I would have expected. We should be surpised if the GMC had been provided some gratuity for their decision making in the case of Dr Reid.
Dr, Russell reid has been the most polite and respectful psychiatrist I have ever met in my years of knowing him. If one was to compare with the service meeted out to pre operative patients at Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic, Dr Reid wins hands up every time.
Having been a patient of both the Charing Cross GIC and Dr Reid, there is little to compare. Charing Cross Hospital GIC ridcule patients and generally give them a hard time, whereas Dr Reid was always respectful and understood that patients have to ultimately make decisions for themselves rather than the fight the system to get what they most desire.
In retorspect, if Dr Reid had been my psychiatrist at the beginning of my journey who would have better understood my situation and he would have listened , whereas the GIC would have templated me and lumped me in with every other patient seeking gender re-assignment.
What the GMC have done, is ruin a good man, a great doctor at the behest of those with axes to grind and wanting financial gain from the outcome, if the GMC cannot see it then they are more blind than anyone could have ever imagined.
Dr Reid has my total support, and all the GMC have succeeded in doing is pushing patients towards the centre, I am sure Charing Cross Hospital GIC and those patients out for Dr Reid's blood are rubbing their hands at the possible compensation they want to get, this ultimately not about justice, its all about the quick financial gain, regardless of what other patients are hurt in the process.
I am ashamed of the GMC and what they have done here!
Stephenie Robinson
Although i only saw Dr Reid twice before he handed over to Dr Curtiss, i found him to be the most approachable and thorogh member of the medical profession i have so far met.
His ability to put me at my ease and allow me to express myself in what I was anticipating as a particularly stressful situation proved typical of a man with a deep understanding of the issues involved with gender dysphoria.
I always felt that Dr Reid acted in my best medical interests, taking a full history of my circumstances, alowing me to express my own personal struggles and advising me on my options without pressurising me into any particular course of action. All this was reinforced by follow up letters to my GP, and not prescribing any hormonal medication until satisfied that I had received appropriate counselling and had discussed issues with my GP.
I am therefore frankly surprised and disgusted by the finding s of the GMC with regards to an eminent professional who as far as I am concerned always appeared to act in the best interests of his patients with care and compassion.
Thank you
Whats the difference to self medication to Dr Reid Prescribing safe drugs
With Dr Reid prescribing, at least we have more of a chance, and not one GP got back to Dr Reid and said "Hey this will contradict other medicine/s"
Dr Reid is a Wondeful Man, he well deserved his Award from the "Uncle Russells Club" for service to the Trans Community.
He will be sadly missed, mostly by those who are still to tread the path, and that path was made so much easier by someone who truely cared about his Patients.
My TS life is now over, I have thankfully become the woman I knew I was, accepted into the society, far and wide as a Woman, and been told my behavior has drastically improved from prior to transition to Now.
The only thing I want now, is Dr Reid to be Cleared, and I will close the book on TS life forever.
Time now to spend with Family and to discover myself as my true self, which would not of been possible without "Uncle" Russ
Sophie-Jane Lyon-Stopford
Retired Manageress of "Uncle Russells Club"
just like to say a big thankyou for all you help and sursport over the last few year.
wishing you all the best with things to come.
Belinda Sutton
Plymouth
I have never had the priviledge of meeting Dr Russel Reed,however I am told that he is a manof rare compassion, accepting Transsexuals like myself unconditionaly, I wonder if his accusers have done as much good as he.
I hope that the BMA rethink this matter.
Best Wishe,
Yonne Pillips
Dear Russell,
I was devastated when I received the news of the judgement, I started to cry, and immediately phoned my friend Yvonne for comfort. I cannot beleive how the GMC, were even allowed to bring this case in the first place.
How dare they say that you, the finest Gender Psychiatrist we've ever known, can only practise under supervision, what sheer cheek.
The General Medical Council and Charing Cross Hospital, seemed to present no evidence of what they claimed, no one can be pushed into transition. We know you tried to help these people, and yes I have sympathy for how they feel, but ultimately the blame lies with the individual, for not being honest with the specialists and of course themselves.
Whatever you do decide to do next, we in the transcommunity will always support you 100%
Since my last post in October, I have at last seen my Psychiatrist. I 'm now on the Gender re-assignment programme, I've been diagnosed, and today is day 93 of my HRT treatment, which apart from playing havoc with my emotions, has made me a very contented woman in transition.
I passed my ECDL, and I've been nominated for an acheivement award, at a ceremony at St James Park in Newcastle.
I now do voluntary work sitting on various committee meetings and focus discussion groups for Council and Housing company etc in my home town, this has broadened my horizons. It's shown me I can speak in front of strangers, have the confidence to raise new points of order.
I would like one day to stand as a councillor, and assist my town even further to understand Trans issues.
None of this would have been conceivable when I first contacted you in 2002, once I thank you.
My poem in your honour
Uncle Russell
Doctor Russell Reid,
He is the best.
There's only jealousy,
From all the rest.
He's saved the lives,
Of many transfolk.
Now happy as women,
No longer sad old blokes.
He is a man,
Who feels much empathy.
For the people he helped,
At whatever degree.
So to Uncle Russell,
We love you so.
Your shining light,
Shall forever glow.
Copyright by Miss Stephanie Elizabeth Anne Butterfield
copyright extended to Dr Russell Reid
I was not one of your patients but I have met many of them. In my personal experience not one of them, neither in public nor in private, has ever had anything but praise for you. That is amazing.
Kate Phiz
Russell Reid has shown so much dynamic understanding, to a community, that sometimes requires 110% attention.
good luck and take care
Andrea South Wales
Dr Reid sounds like a nice bloke, and I appreciate he's done good work for a number of people with gender identity disorder, but it is also clear he failed in his duty of care to some of his patients. These things happen.
I don't think his complaining patients have put enough responsibility on themselves for giving informed consent to have sex change surgery. They're adults. It's not like kids with intersex conditions who have surgery without their consent and find it impossible to sue for negligence.
I have a degree of sympathy for Dr Reid because he was doing his job and wanted to help people. The blokes that regret having their penises removed need to look at themselves and make a real assessment of who was to blame for their treatment. I know a number of them even go to the trouble of joining trans groups only to find out how to cheat the system and convince psychiatrists to approve surgeries. Dr Reid, in this case, is the victim.
The GMC were wrong, and shows how stagnent they are in the field of treating transgender patients. Are other professionals treated like this over the cases of 5 patients? Of course they're not. How many NHS patients have complained in comparison. Judging by the comments from people forced to go through Charring Cross I guess that would make interesting reading. Russell has does nothing wrong. He is a geniune caring person and has made a lot of people very happy and given them the chance to make a life for themselves.
There is an large amount of personal responsibility that lies with the patient in this but in the blame culture we live in that has no doubt been over looked.
He has furthered the treatment of Transgendered people more than CX could ever dream of.
They were wrong, Russell you are right. I like many others would still be happy to see you.The human touch is by far the best.
Good luck and Best wishes
Tanya
Dear Dr Reid -
Well, it's already a cliche to say that you are a life-saver; but it's still the truth.
I only saw you a few times but at crucial times for me - and you supported me, helped me, understood me and helped me move on.
Thank-you Dr Reid, thank-you very much.
Surely i believe HBIGDA/WPATH standards of care SCO6th from 2001 is something important and need to be always considered.
But it was not established by a God, but by people that really most of time know not precisely the necessity of patients - and also most of time has not the tradition to respect the patients and to support them in a patient centered way.
We at Gendercare Gender Clinic, in Brazil, we follow HBIGDA/WPATH SOC6th most of time - but we agree with Dr.Reid - sometimes what the patient needs is not strictly considered - and not wisely considered - at the SOC6th.
For example, in my opinion, it is very difficult in my country to start 3 months of "real life experience" without starting a hormone therapy. And sometimes one year of real life experience is LIFE-THREATENING and a vety unwise prescription.
So, we support Dr.Reid - and we also are full members of HBIGDA/WPATH - and we will continue doing our work in Brazil folowing our conscience more than artificial authoritary rules - as we hope Dr.Reid will also do.
Dr.Torres,MS,PhD
Gendercare Gender Clinic
OII-Organisation Intersex International Board member
HBIGDA/WPATH member
SCTPLS member
NYAS member
SBRASH member
As a doctor, and patient of Russell's I am in a priveledged position to comment. I have enjoyed the highest standards of care and compassion during my difficult years of self acceptence, transition, divorce and the rest. The fact that I have come through those years intact, strong, and extremely, overwhelmingly happy is a tribute to the qualities of this wonderful man. But I am just one, there are thousands with similar messsages of support. The medical profession is riddled with the self promotion of many, and the so called "case" against Russell has more to do with the jealousy and politics that drives some than the qualities of care that so many have experienced. Please try and keep strong Russell and try not let this flawed decision cloud your wonderful career and service.
dr reid you are a credit to the gender identity profession
Only having had to see Dr Reid a small number of times was for me a tribute to the efficiency with which he dealt with me and my condition and helped me to get on with the rest of my life.
I always think it is ironic that because i have never needed to go back (after one post-op follow-up, which was optional in any case), he can never know just how much I have gone from strength to strength in my life. My contact with Dr Reid was a crucial linch-pin in my life, without which I would not be where I am today.
AW, Brighton
Dear Dr Reid
The GMC's decision makes me feel sad to be British. The GMC's website is full of self-righteous humbug about how doctors should help their patients to make the decisions about their own treatment. Of course, that is exactly what you have been doing for many years - long before it even occurred to anybody at the GMC that it might be the right thing to do! The GMC's shameful decision means that psychiatrists at NHS GICs will continue making decisions for their patients, instead of helping them to make their own. The result will be that more and more people will choose to self-medicate.
I think the best thing WPATH/HBIGDA could do would be to abolish itself and its SOC. I do not believe there is any reason why HRT should not be used to help (MTF) patients self-diagnose their condition. You are the only psychiatrist I know who is honest enough to admit that it is impossible for them to diagnose "transsexualism". I am also happy to admit that I was not sure, either, until you showed me the way that made it possible for me to become certain.
I guess it would not have been a disaster for me if I had had to attend two interviews with you, before starting HRT, but I cannot see what purpose that would have served. For those who have to try to obtain their treatment from NHS GIC's, the time from tertiary referral to having one (let alone two) consultations often IS a disaster, sadly.
Russell (If I may be permitted to call you by your first name, now, since you are no longer practising), your name will be revered long after those who accused and judged you have been forgotten.
I wish you a long and happy retirement, which you have most certainly earned.
I was privileged to be your patient and I will be forever in your debt.
Teresa Fowler
Within the judgement against Dr. Reid one finds the following text written by the GMC
"... Whilst you described your approach as patient-centred care, the Panel considers that this is a misinterpretation of this principle. In the Panel’s judgment, “patient-centred care” means putting the patient and their needs at the centre of the consultation. ... "
If the above is taken out of context (you can be sure it will be) as an official GMC dicta on the nature of "patient-centred care" it will do enormous damage to British people far beyond the reaches of the transsexual community.
For "putting the patient and their needs at the centre of the consultation. " is a near empty phrase that entirely misses the point. It suggests that care has always been patient-centred and no change is needed - when nothing could be further from the truth.
At a very minimum “patient-centred care” includes "involving the patient in therapeutic decisions and weighing patient views and desires in the balance". If further implies that patient-satisfaction is a major consideration.
It would be unthinkable in other fields to so lightly dismiss patient wants (and by implication patient satisfaction). A great deal of harm will be caused by this attempt by the GMC to undermine the policy of patient-centred care if this matter is allowed to go unchallenged. "Business as it used to be" may be what the GMC wants but it is not in the public interest.
Holly Black
I am able to write this because of you Russell. I would be dead by now if it had been left to Charing Cross. I have never regretted seeing you or having treatment by you. I was happier after my Gender re-assignment than I had ever been, I still am 13 Years on. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. Cathy Wilson. Ex-IBM
Dear Dr. Reid,
I am currently undergoing RLT here in Canada and it has been a long, arduous road to find (let alone receive) knowledgeable treatment for GID.
I think it is very unfortunate that the GMC decided the way they did. The responsibility for HRT and/or SRS isn't and shouldn't rest entirely upon the shoulders of the physician - it should be a joint responsiblity shared between physician and patient. Given that there isn't any medical testing that definitively diagnoses GID, the only approach we have is the evaluation of patient history, which isn't clear-cut. Yes, mistakes can and will happen - but they are as much the fault of the patient too.
It took me over a year to find a medical professional to take me seriously. If it wasn't for quite a bit of good fortune in the form of an intervention by someone else in the trans community, I'd still be wandering around as my (wrong) birth gender, in despair of my existence.
Doctors who are as compassionate as you should be lauded, not chastised. I'm sorry that the GMC decided to do this to you but know that those of us who are trans are behind you 100%. All the best for your future.
There are very few who have stood up for us who were not themselves TS and even went against the general opinions of their peers. Here are Three of the Best, and heros of their respective times...
Here my personal top three in chronological order.
Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, 1868-1935
In 1910 he invented the term Transvestite to stop people being arrested for wearing the "wrong sex" clothes,
In 1915 he then invented the term Transsexual, to save a Transwoman being called up to the German Army and sent to the Front, then the Government had added a clause into their drafting rules, that being a Transvestite was not grounds for being declared unfit for service... By using a new term he got round the problem, and had they added that to their rules, would have coined a third!
He also determined that SRS was a better solution than Psychoterrorisum for TS and IS people. Between 1918 and 1933 he arranged with Dr Felix Abraham (Surgeon of the Dresdener Frauenklink, and Partner at the Berlin Institute of Sexology) for many people to have SRS for the so-called "Determined Transvestites" (who only wanted rid of their original sex organs), and "Homosexual Transvestites" (who wanted corrected anatomy for Sex with a person of their same birth sex...) Both uses of the term Transvestite are for those who we today would simply call TS)
The Nazis were his downfall. and the famous Burning of the Books in the Opera Square Berlin were his books on Transsexuals and library of research...
Dr. Harry Benjamin, 1885-1986
From his dealings with Magnus German born Harry Benjamin was converted to believe (not immediately) that TS are not mad and needing Electroshocks or lobotomies, but instead best helped with Hormones and SRS.
Harry Benjamin had to fight the Conservative American Church and Medical system (which is still ongoing)
Dr. Russell Reid
Russell Reid can hold his head up high and add his name to the above for his long term support for us against people with a personal anti-TS axe to grind, (be they Nazis or Conservative Medical and Religious disbelievers, or the self appointed sadistic perverts delaying sensible treatment while pretending to be experts, such as the Charing Cross four and sadly in acting on their behalf the Tribunal of the GMC... or in some cases a mixture of all the above) to be just another cobblestone in the long road to humanity.
Thank you Russell for all you have done for so many humans that others tried and continue to try to dehumanize.
Best Regards and thanks again from a British TS woman in Germany, Mrs Petra Henderson victim of the NHS system in 1980-87
Russell you have always been ahead of your time. Of all the psychiatrists I have dealt with over many years Russell you treated me with the highest level of respect, you knew how important it was for me to take control of my own life and to be my real self. You are also expert at clinical epidemiology. Your recommendations are certainly state-of-the-art wrt hormones and other aspects of care for people in transition.
You have in-print support from the recommendations contained Arlene Lev's book as well in my own book on transsexuality. What you are able to do better than anyone else is to humanise the strictures of the so-called Standards of Care so that your clients have control over their lives. We all know how important that is to our self-esteem and well-being.
Russell, I wish you all the best. You have thousands of supporters and grateful friends throughout the world.
Many thanks
(Conjoint Professor) Rachel Heath (Newcastle, Australia)
I am a f-t-m transexual living abroad and a member of the UK Press For Change database receiving regular email newletters from them. They have kept me updated on the case against you.
Whilst I did not have a terribly difficult time transitioning, the delay between my first appointment at Charing Cross and the start of hormone treatment and subsequent surgery was rather trying. My only regret is in NOT having had YOU as my doctor.
Whilst the complainants in the case may feel that they were 'rushed', I think I speak for most transexuals when I say that we WISHED we could have been 'rushed'.
I sincerely wish you the very best.
I want to voice my support to Dr Reid . Progression for the treatment of trans people is needed, and it is courageous people like Dr Reid who allow this to happen. I hope that the outcome of this case doesn't hamper the caring and compassionate treatment of trans people there in Britain.
Jaimie -New Zealand
I came to Russell Reid at least ten years late, after being scorned by several National Health Service employees in their various professional roles. To its credit, the NHS was supportive once the wheels to my treatment had been put in motion by Mr Reid.
As a dear friend has said, being a transsexual is not a bunch of roses. There isn't a day post-op when I don't regret being this way, for myself and my family. But the short facts are these: before the help I received from Mr Reid I had endured 10 years of low self-esteem followed by 10 years looking at the end of the bottle. Ten years post receiving treatment, I hold 3 quality degrees, have an intellectually demanding job, and a very stable (if not particularly joyous) life. Suicide was never an option, but self-destruction was. Thanks to Mr Reid, neither option is now relevant.
In the face of the awful afflictions suffered by many, it seems trite to speak of the pain of being TS, but terrible pain it was. Perhaps we should now witch-hunt those consultants who have done so much harm by (in many cases, disdainfully) ignoring the suffering and ruined lives this condition brings.
Uncle Russel you will always have my deepest gratitude for the help and understanding that you showed me in my time as one of your patients.With your fantastic help i was able to gain the confidence etc to take my rightful place in life as the woman i had always felt that i was and needed to be,so much so that i went on to become a very successful stewardess on the very busy cross channel ferries at Dover ( not an easy place to work in my new chosen lifes role and that really says it all )but thanks to your great help everthing went so well with very very few problems as it still is even now.So i take heart in the hope that soon you can put all of these problems behind you and your great life can continue in the way you so richly deserve.You will remain forever in my thoughts as a true caring professional.My BEST WISHES Julie Ann Willis (RAMSGATE KENT)(julannwil@yahoo.co.uk )
Dr. Reid,
I cannot tell you how unfair and wrong I feel the judgment against you was. You have provided an invaluable service to the transgender community for many years. You have helped repair people's lives and make them whole again. You have come forward to give care to a group of people that so many others have brushed aside and left hurting in silence.
I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and compassion.
Sincerely, Willa
Very happy to continue to stand with Russell, and very disappointed - although not especially surprised, given the efforts of the "prosecution" - by the decision of the GMC.
I would be very interested to know how the satisfaction ratings of patients treated by Dr. Reid compared with those of other similar practioners. I expect an independent study would produce some very interesting results and I would like to see one commissioned.
Consider also that Dr. Reid would tend to be consulted by those people who have already been refused help, humiliated and/or asked to jump through unreasonable hoops by other professionals, so that his patients are, on average, the most desperate and the least easy to treat. And yet hundreds of them leave messages of support on this site? I should think he must have far and away the highest success rate of any trassexual specialist.
We know the reason for this and for the continuing support of his patients is that his approach is uniquely patient-centred. Of course he will have made some mistakes. He has been dealing with people in crisis who may attempt suicide if refused help, or remove themselves from medical supervision to self-treat. In that context there is no alternative but to take risks - when the consequences of refusing or delaying treatment are potentially so appalling, it may be more risky *not* to treat someone.
I am sorry for the minority who are unhappy, but they all consented to treatment and were given it in good faith. And they are a tiny, tiny number. You can be sure that with all the publicity around this case, the encouragement from other professionals to come forward and the chance of obtaining some "compensation", any other unhappy people would have come forward by now. So there are only five. Over how many years? How many people?
I think the GMC verdict is a travesty, but actually it is also an irrelevance. The facts speak for themselves.
Just to leave a message wishing Dr Reid all the very best in the future from myself and my beloved partner. My partner thinks the world of you since first meeting you in the late 80s. She had served eight years in the Life Guards (from the age of 18) and was to spend four wonderful years as a successful show girl in Paris and London.
She would never have had the confidence to be herself if it wasn't for your compassion, professionalism, understanding, respect and expertise.
Her experiences with CX were completely the reverse.
All the very best for the future. I know you are a very strong person and with all these positive messages, you may wish to perhaps reconsider returning to the community which you have done so much to help over the years.
This GMC hearing showed that the trans community still faces ignorance, bigotry, misunderstanding and a lot of politics amongst your medical peers and the NHS.
I'm sure you more than deserve a happy early retirement but the approach and patient focused standards of care which you pioneered in the UK clearly still remain an anathema to most practitioners and gatekeepers in the field. It would be great to see you working with organisations like Press for Change in the future to see a real positive shake up in the standards of care and treatment trans people receive in the UK.
All the very best,
Beverley Dodd and Angela Cole (Birmingham, West Mids)
hi Russell up until you retired I was a client of yours at our last consultation you refered me for my GRS but we also discused my wanting to become a gender counsellor you were very supportive of this and believed in my ability to do so.I am now half way through my counselling diploma and want to thank you for your support.I can now look at your work with a professional eye and do see you may have made mistakes in your treatment of some of your clients but believe in reality this can not be avoided has people can be very convincing about what their needs are.In our last meeting you showed me how many clients you have treated the numbers alone would show that mistakes where inevitable.If we looked at this amount of clients who have had NHS treatment. I believe we would also see as many people who have changed their minds after treatment. This is inevitable as we all overstate our need for change to try and prove our gender dysforia because we are all scared of being turned away which would be a far worse situation.
My surgery is on the 9 July and feel without you this would not have happened and I may not even be here without your support.I wish you all the best for the future and hope you will not stop fighting for the rights of people like me.
Lots of love
Michelle Kernick
xxx
meeshsalts@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Dr Reid,
Although I'm a UK citizen, I reside in Australia. I'm immensely glad that I haven't had to endure Charing Crucifiction by some of those who have so doggedly hounded you.
I've heard terrible tales, tales that usually ended in tragedy.
But not from your patients. You have consistently treated them as Human Beings. Alas, that makes you exceptional.
Just know that you have saved lives. It saddens me to say that your accusers have taken them.
Had I been in the UK, not Australia, I would have moved Heaven and Earth to get the most professional and competent help I could. That means you, Dr Reid.
All the best, Zoe (GAS Suporn Nov 06)
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