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.
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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 401 – 432 of 432I just read the comment about calling you uncle Russell and smiled stupidly to myself. I hope that you can enjoy your retirement with your reputation totally in tact. They should be giving you a medal for services to trans-people.
Amanda
I for one never met Dr Reid, yet have heard many wonderful stories about him. I transition a few years ago, through the GIC at Leeds where they prescribe me hormones on my first visit. It seems to me they have one rule for the NHS GIC and those professionals, like Mr Reid.
I feel those Dr`s who have had this witch hunt against Mr Reid should hang their heads in shame.
v.millar@bradford.ac.uk
I am appalled that Dr Reid is being put through this; all the trans women I know who have seen him speak about him with gratitude and affection for saving their lives. I was the partner of one of his patients while she was transitioning, and the care she got from him was excellent. I went with my ex to her appointments with Dr Reid and spoke with friends about their treatment under him, and he always acted in the very best interests of each patient; he used common sense and compassion, and prioritised the well-being of his patients above all other things, unlike so many doctors. I don't at all understand the so-called logic of the bigots who are conducting this witch-hunt, and I hope the outcome is as good as it possibly can be for this amazing man who has done so much to help countless transexuals. I'll be pointing my ex towards this post, I know she has nothing but praise for Dr Reid.
Well, having read through the comments, I feel that there is something missing, and that is the comments of the people who have visited Russell Reid and decided not to transition, probably for a variety of reasons.
It is understandable why so many people who have sought advice and subsequently gone down a different road would not want necessarily to ‘get invloved’ with the case, or offer support, but I do regret not being more vocal previous to the case being heard, and if I can be of assistance at all now I will be.
Dr Reid, I visited you in 2003, after having always felt female inside. I had battled against these feelings all of my life, married and divorced twice due to them, and was then feeling so terribly depressed and without hope.
I had tentatively attempted to contact you some years earlier, and should have, but didn’t.
When I realised that I had to face my ‘problems’ or issues head on after my second divorce, I went to see my GP, who was not sympathetic, made me feel like a pervert and referred me to a counsellor for sexual problems!
That really said it all for me, they just didn’t understand, and I finally plucked up the courage to cantact you direct.
I was frightened, scared of telling anyone how I felt about myself, daunted by what was instore and yet felt the beginnings of a sense of relief and calm.
I had told my employer, and he was extremely supportive, and he even paid for my train fair to London.
Well, the day came and my train got delayed and I had to change at Milton Keynes and I arrived late and you had gone for lunch and as I sat there waiting I felt so nervous that Inearly walked out and left, but stopped myself as I knew that running away would be the worst thing that I could do.
When my time came to see you I was terrified, especially after my trip to the GP. I thought that you would castigate me, tell me I was a fool or a pervert and generally make me feel humiliated and small, but you were wonderful.
You, and you are the only person except for my employer, understood me completely. You seemed to know exactly how I felt, and gave me the chance to be the person I am.
You prescribed ovysmen, followed by androcur, and at the end of an emotionally draining consultation I came away from your surgery feeling my life was complete.
After almost completing the course of ovysmen, and really coming out to friends and family, and there is much, much more to this that I will not go into here, I abruptly stopped.
I have many, many reasons and still feel the way I always have, but could not continue. I wanted to so very much, but just couldn’t.
You did say during our initial consultation that for some people the taking of hormones was the ‘decider’ or real test, and I hung on to this really, but still to this day am not sure this was the entirely the correct decision.
My problems lay mainly I feel in my maternal / paternal instincts. I have 2 children and desperately wanted more.
Equally important was the effect my transition would have on my 2 children.
For me personally though it would have been the right decision to continue, and I maybe feel that having lived my life for the most part being viewed as a male, it was my duty to others to continue.
So much I have not yet worked out and you read of people all the time who have been or are in a similar situation and as they get older, the feelings get stronger until they can no longer continue living a lie, and maybe I am one of these people, but I think that the more time passes me by, the less likely I am to transition, having ‘missed the boat’ so to speak.
It is my regret that I did not contact you and discuss my feelings with you at the time, and it is my shame that I have not contacted you sooner to offer my assistance to you.
I do hope that you understand.
I met a wonderful girl, very open and understanding, who knows quite a lot about what I have been thorugh and how I feel, although perhaps does not fully understand the depth of feeling, and it will be difficult for me to potentially ‘step into the limelight’ if required, but I owe you this at least.
For a long time afterwards, I felt completely at ease with myself. Actually, whilst taking the hormones, I never felt more at ease ever in my life, or since come to that.
I don’t know why, which confuses me. Is it a chemical thing?
My ‘ease’ has gradually subsided and I feel continually stressed about one thing or another, but also feel trapped, in that I can’t envisage going down the same road again, as I think the conclusion may be the same as before.
Anyway, I am not here for counselling, but to offer my support to you, in any way that you may find useful, whether it be personal fulfilment or professional consolidation.
Thank you Dr Reid for your help and understanding. Like so many, I do not know where I would be without your care, even though the outcome for me has been so very different from the that of many of the people who have kindly contributed to the comments / discussion and messages of support.
I wish you all the very best and hope that you will feel uplifted by my comments and trust that you will gain much comfort from the help and support that you gave me.
Darren (Marie) Heysham, Morecambe, Lancashire. (or Lake District as I was then - Newby Bridge)
I've just heard that you have retired, well Russell you are the shining light of our world.
The gender re-assignment programme is going to be worse off without it's finest exponent of patient centred care for transsexuals. And transition will be made that much harsher and more difficult to overcome with your kind methods no longer available to future transpersons, We'll all miss you.
Can I please sign off by mentioning my petition to the prime Minister's web site to end the postcode lottery in the provision of healthcare for transsexuals.
The url is
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/healthcare4ts/
The fight goes on dear Russell, and I assure you, You'll be remembered by the trans community for all the good you did.
Yours Stephanie Elizabeth Anne Butterfield
Dear Dr Reid,
I was not surprised by the GMC judgement. What might surprise many is to know that the NHS doesn't adhere to the Harry Benjamin guidelines either.
But where you broke the rules out of compassion, I believe the NHS breaks them for reasons of cost. Which is worse?
I'm afraid gender treatment, in the UK at least, is 10% medicine and 90% politics.
It shouldn't be that way, but until budgets are raised in proportion to the need its a situation that will continue to prevail.
I would like to wish you a happy retirement and to thank you,
Dear Dr.Russell Reid,
Only recently, did i become aware of your retirement,along with the appalling way in which you were treated!
If not for yourself, i wouldn`t be around now, let alone the happy man i am today.
Although, as a result of travels abroad, my appointments were few and far between.
Your professionalism and sympathetic approach was without a doubt,a revelation to us all and a dedication beyond the call of duty!
Your presence will be surely missed, many thanks for your help and support during the years.
All the best for the future,
Lee.
Dear Russell.
You first saw me around 12 years ago and like many others I am sure that at that time, you saved my life .I am forever grateful for that and you are for one of the people that I push myself day in day out to better myself and to be an example for Trans people in the UK.
One thing you said to me in our first meeting was that I must prove / be better in female role than male and that has stuck with me forever.
Now 12 years later and post op only this last year , I am very happy in life and in a 10 year relationshp with my loving husband ,I have my own business and lots more.
My parents our proud of me and this is something that ONLY this big step in life could of given me from my dark sad past, now the NHS told me I was just a little confused back 12 years ago and you told me from moment one , " that I was Rebecca " . Thank you so much for being correct when the rest of the world was wrong , and now they know that they were wrong too.
I can only hope that one day the Medical council will understand that they have been very wrong too in their comments recently , Russell stand tall and smile with pride what you have given to so many people , I hope that to you is more important .
I can only imagine ,there are only a few people who mock your work and they like ,in every walk of life are better left to sort things out themselves.
With much love and Thanks.
Rebecca B ( Bristol/Weston Super Mare and Wiltshire ) xx
I very fortunate to have met Dr. Reid in August 2005. I'd never liked talking to people at that point, but... he was the most relaxing person to be around! I felt totally at ease from the moment I stepped into the clinic. Both he and his staff were so pleasant, it made things a whole lot easier to deal with.
Thank you very much, Dr. Reid, for the professional and caring attitude you showed; and I wish you the very best of luck for the future.
Gross misconduct and yet not struck off. I can't believe it!
I hope the private prosecutions succeed
Yes you helped to change my Life - for the worse... and it will be with me till the end of my days, thanks a million.
I still can't believe you got away with it - gross misconduct and not struck off. Unbelievable.
And of course you won't put this on the blog.
Anonymous, You are it seems quite bitter towards the wonderful Dr Russell Reid.
You do not expand on why this is the case, but in 2002, soon after my father died, I had the money to transition privately, and sought out Dr Reid's help.
After a lengthy conversation on the phone, he said I was not ready for transition, that I had to get my head sorted out first, and seek bereavement counselling and come back when I was ready.
I wanted to spend my cash every single penny of it, but Russell did not want it. If he was the money grabbing person only a handful of patients have said he was, then he would have taken every penny I had, but he didn't.
Why?....Because he always put his patients at the centre of his care, put their needs first.
I can only say to you, that I hope you find peace, but feeling bitter towards Russell is not going to help.
Ayone who transitioned with Dr Russell Reid did so because they wanted it, those people who brought the private prosecution could have pulled out of the programme at anytime, but chose not to.
It was their choice to transition, no one else's, and therefore not the psychiatrists fault if they then later feel it was a mistake.
Yours Stephanie Butterfield
ps I wish Russell Reid was still practising, as many more would transition happily.
I first saw Dr Reid in 2004, having been refered by my local mental health trust as a genuine person with genderdysphoria. I had at that time been waiting six months for an appointment with Charring Cross Gender Identity Clinic. I found Dr Reid to be very proffessional. And he and myself followed the Harry Benjamin Guildines. I have gone from strength to strength since I had Dr Reids Expert guidance and support. I am now a leading trade unionist within the largest employer in Europe. Representing over 40.000 employee's. I am having my gender reassigment surgery next month in Thailand.
I still have not been seen by an NHS service dispite representation from my local PCT four years later. Like many of us I have been failed by the NHS, and without Dr Reid. I truly beleive I would have taken my own life.
Thankyou from the bottom of my heart Uncle Russel.
Lynn Brittain x x
Dr Russell Reid treated me with professionalism, dignity and sympathy and brought to my case wealth of experience.
He made himself freely available at every stage of treatment and answered all my questions thoughtfully and wisely adising me of all the problems I would have to face. My own GP. who had referred me to Dr Reid was kept fully informed.
I can only be grateful to so dedicated a man.
Thanks to his skill and work I have now lived a normal and happy life for many years.
In 2007, I finally went to the police and complained about my treatment by Dr Deenesh Khoosal in November/ December 1982 when I was at Radley College Abingdon Oxon.
it had become transparently obvious that Paula Rowe or 'patient b', who had been seeking publicity for years and claiming that she had regretted her transition, was lying in her evidence against Dr Reid.
I knew this person from January 1987 onwards in Falmouth Cornwall and during the entire period of her transition and some time afterwards.
The trial brought back terrible traumatic memories of abuse by doctors starting with Dr Khoosal.
At the GMC I discovered that Rowe had been caught out lying all over the place and had actually applied for a gender recognition certificate. The fact that someone who had been telling stories to David Batty about how she is 'really a man' could be used as a witness against Reid is beyond me.
It has not been publicly recognised that the GMC verdict states that she had not been harmed by Reid.
My complaints against Khoosal to the police and the GMC include sexual assault, bullying, dishonesty, fraudulently pretending to be a specialist when he was actually a registrar and lying to everyone about my motivations and mental state after I had finally attempted to kill myself because of him.
Khoosal was arrested on September
4th by Sargeant Angie Murray of Oxford police and interviewed. He told the police that he wanted to look at my body and found it in his handwritten notes. I had not had access to these when I made my CID Statement about him.
Nicola Forshaw at the GMC has just ignored the grounds of a carefully constructed complaint for the second time and stated that they have decided to apply a five year rule in spite of the fact that I was refused access to my medical records until 2004.
It is outrageous that Reid was found guilty on charges going back to 1983 and a different rule applies to me.
I made my complaint as a public service because the Reid trial has been used as an argument against people getting proper treatment. Quite apart from the fact that I was told I would never recover in 1983 I have had no constructive assistance over the incident since.
Dr Reid saved my life in January 1988 and again in 1991. Why the double standard?
I have a blog here:
katemiddleton-lsu.blogspot.com/
RR
Well, I see the GMC has circled around you. Well, at this rate all the good doctors are going to fall foul of them. I am no longer on the Register - non payment of subs. I have a judgment where the Harris HHJ called the GMC a " totalitarian regime".
I have fought the GMC hard for probably a decade. There needs to be a proper group to challenge the GMC and to ensure it is fit to serve patients as well as doctors. All doctors served badly by the GMC tend to migrate in their own lives. There are a few of us still going on the internet.
Please do visit us on http://www.ward87.blogspot.com
http://www.nhsexposedblog.blogspot.com
And Consultant Psychiatrist Helen Bright who has been severely mistreated by them - http://www.gmchumanrights.blogspot.com
I note your judgment - clearly the panel understood nothing.
Regards
Dr Rita Pal
Reading the GMC's papers gives me the impression that the Council was more concerned about paper than people.Also that it neglected to ake into account that the patient (or client) has some responsibiity for his or her own treatment and decisions about that treatment.
I had lead a fairly tortuous life until my GP referred me to Dr Russell Reid. His attitude was one that gave great hope and support; his reporting to my GP and requests for reports from him was meticulous as were his own records of every interview I had with him. He complied with the guidelines for treatment and referal for surgery.
Since his work and support I have led a happy and stable life.
Russell is a pioneer in his field and pioneers have to take a few risks....may of us are grateful for his risky and pioneering work and his caring approach to all aspects of it.
Tanith
Going to make myself late for work but if there is anything I can say to help i am willing to stand up and be counted as someone who has had a better life after SRS 21 years of my life have been fantastic. I now love life and live it to the full.
Thank you
Kerry
I was a patient of Dr. Reid's for alcoholism in 1989. He was instrumental in helping me achieve the sobriety which continues today. To this day, I credit his kindness, emphathy, and astute observations in my recovery.
Ten years on I don't think of myself as TS. Just happy and loved as me. You helped me survive and be fulfilled when no one else was listening.
I hope you don't resume your practise tho old friend! You should be enjoying life now, as we do.
i can only wish that i will get your help.
ive read whats happened to you and its obvious its an internal politically motivated attack in order to discredit you.
your a true champion of trans people
x
Dr Russell Reid is not Dead nor is his work. But it will be unless people start standing up for what is Right. Dr Reid tried to help people who Need help and was crucified for it. For all those who leaving messages here who had the good fortune of being treated by the honer able Doctor Russell Reid and are living as there NORMAL gender,Don't let his good work go to waste. Spread the word to stand up for change against Charring Cross G.I.D. James Barrett BSc.MSc Is a Rude Arrogant man with a Power complex This is not just my opinion but Fact by Research. I had the misfortune to meet or rather be Interrogated by him some 10 years ago. He and he alone say's who will and who will not have the operation on the N.H.S. Obviously the people he chooses have nothing but Praise for the Clinic otherwise it would have been closed down. This keeps the media and the N.H.S. happy. Transsexuals are Born NOT made. James Barrett Plays God with Gender Dysphoria But can not deal with Transsexuals.I have tried in vain to find out how many Human Beings have been discharged and refused urgent operations by His clinic and have had to resort to finding money by any means to go overseas,or self-harming.These Numbers exist but are protected by the clandestine clinic and the Mental health act. Changes have to be made if we want/need another Dr Reid.How many people on this postings are Mentally Ill or are suffering from Gender Dysphoria?? I for one am not I am not confused by my Gender ( my teenage son is )I have brought him up as his adopted mother. I have something that most mothers don't have and it needs to be Medically operated on. As far as I know James Barrett is not a Doctor or Surgeon so how can he have blocked a urgent Medical procedure. There are many Honourably, Professionally decent people with common sense out there that could step into Dr Reids shoe's but who can blame them for not wanting a short end to there C arrears and being thrown to the wolves. There can be no change while James Barrett remains self-appointed guardian to the Status quo.P.S I wish you all the very best Dr Reid.
in 1995 you help a suicidal wreck. You were there for me. Now I am married to my smashing husband and my step children, I actually want to be alive. You probably wont remember me as you helped so many. Thank you so much x
August 2012
I've no idea how this worked out. But I'm eight years on, and I have Dr Russel Reid to thank for every minute of my wonderful life.
To anyone who has not suffered a gender identity problem, I won't say 'disorder', because it's not, it may be hard to understand the comments left here.
To those people I would say imagine you had cancer, and then not only did you find out you could be cured, but when you were, you would also win the lottery. Resolution to a serious gender disorder is something like this.
The NHS uses a defensive approach to gender disorder, and perhaps it needs to, to weed out those who simply dislike or are uncomfortable with their gender role, or their sexuality. But for those of us with genuine gender dysphoria, this is a nightmare, and Dr Reid used his empathy and judgement to do his weeding out for him, and in the process, gave many a life worth living.
It is with great regret that cannot put my name to this note. Such is the lack of understanding of gender in the human species that to do so would endanger my career.
One day, there will be more understanding, understanding that gender is not polarised, is not 'male' or 'female', but is characterised by many things. Our DNA gender marker XX etc, marks the gross gender of the body, while an as yet unknown DNA sequence will determine the gross gender of the mind. Various DNA deviations and life's conditioning will add various other flavours.
Without such variations, human beings could not have evolved into the glorious sentient species they now are. We thrive by difference, not by consistency.
I, for instance, was brought up with 'go get' male conditioning and practicality. I'm now a senior engineer, and by hell, do we need female engineers now as WMD and global warming threaten our tinpot tyrannies of countries and states. We need a different and co-operative energy to fight something bigger than the neighbouring tribe!!
Thank you, Dr Reid.
Dr Russel Reid, I hope you read this I finally had my Surgery In Feb 2012 of this year In Thailand, & It Is all thanks to you as you helped no end through my Transition I will never forget you The kindness & understanding that you had for me & many others who were truly Transsexual. & not the Idiots that got you struck off. Best wishes for the Future. Barbara Ann Roberts. ( the Lad
Dear Dr Rusell Reid , I hope you get to read this I finally had my Surgery In Thailand In Feb 2012 If It was not for you my life would still be a mess I am most grateful for all the Help & Kindness & compassion you should me through my Transition I will never forget you & I know all the other truly Transsexual people feel the same. & not the Idiots who got you struck. I would willingly stand up to get you reinstated any time. Best regards for the Future. Barbara Ann Roberts ( The lady who had the Chocolate Factory )
I've only just seen this blog.
I was treated by Dr Reid in the late 80's and transitioned in 1991, I have since had a happy and productive life, which I wouldn't have had had I not transitioned.
So as far as I'm concerned Dr Reids assessment was correct.
I always found him to be professional, courteous, kind and caring.
He may not have been the most orthodox according to medical panels who seem to only wish to obstruct gender dysphoric people from transitioning, but his results speak for themselves.
I know several people who were treated by Dr Reid, I don't know of one who has regretted their transition.
I wish him well in his retirement, and I thank him for this gift of a wonderful life he gave me.
Karen C
Dr Reid saw me and initiated my treatment in 1995. Since then I have been lucky enough to lead a happy and well adjusted life.
Without Dr Reid and his support I would not be the happy person I am today.
I remember you not just giving me the hormones I needed, but even visiting me in hospital. I feel so grateful for what you did, and really regret not telling you so when you visited. Thank you!
when I first met DR Reid. He treated me with respect and listened to me. after years of no treatment on NHS he got me on the path to changing my life. I thank him for that. I may not have done more then 1year RLT, but evidence suggested actually any more without treatment is damaging. In a way he saved me. Without him, the non nhs treatment, i would probably have broken. years later. all good. love anna
Dear Dr. Russell Reid, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you wholeheartedly for the professional care you gave me while I was a patient of yours.
This has had an impact far beyond the hourly or half hourly visits, and as a young 22 year old back in 1996 I had never been to London before, and it was an experience in itself, booking a return train journey, using the 'Tube' and finding my way to the 'London Institute' - knocking on the door upstairs by mistake - all happy memories for me now as a 39 year old.
You were my 'light at the end of the tunnel' so to speak, as I had been through a most dreadful experience with a Newcastle-upon-Tyne NHS establishment.
You gave my life stability which was in turmoil after I so desperately begged whilst on my knees, on the floor holding his hand, (Dr.D) tears streaming as I pulled clumps of hair from my temples, I begged of him 'my family has hereditary hair loss, if you wont prescribe feminising hormones, will you Please give me something to stop this' to which he replied 'there are many quality wigs available' whilst pushing me aside then looking over his half frame glasses said 'have you finished now?'
There is an old saying - 'You don't know how strong you are until being strong is the only thing you have left'
So I managed to find full time employment, which enabled me to visit you. You spoke with me, not at me, you were pleasant, not dismissive. you gave me one treatment at a time to make sure I had no adverse effects, then on subsequent visits prescribed additional medication/s as needed.
I am not a medical professional but I can see why this was the correct way to do things, as if I had been prescribed a multitude of differing medications at the same time and suffered an adverse effect, how was one to know which of them was the root cause?
Some years later I ended up going 'off the rails' and your professional opinion as to my actions was sought.
Without your input on the matter and the statistics at that time for TS's in a situation I could have possibly ended up in, I feel that I may not be sat here writing this note of gratitude, and of thanks, to you being a part of my life's history.
Russell Reid, I will always have a special place in my heart for you, as you have been more than a Doctor to me.
You helped me become who I am today and for that I am eternally grateful.
I sincerely hope you enjoy your retirement to the full and live a long and happy life.
God bless you,
Samantha.
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