A survey of more than 640 healthcare professionals by charity TransActual UK found of those who had accessed trans-specific training, many report having to seek it out proactively and, in some cases, pay for it with their own money.

The research reveals over two-thirds of respondents expressed confidence in their ability to assess and interact with trans patients (67%); but fewer than a third were satisfied with the training they had received (31%). This disconnect was particularly marked when it came to prescribing of prescribe gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT).

TransActual highlights that many healthcare professionals reported receiving most, if not all their knowledge on trans people's healthcare needs from their trans patients.

Chay Brown, healthcare director of TransActual, said: ‘Too often, trans patients themselves are the only source of continuing professional development that GPs have access to, and this needs to change.

‘It is essential that all GPs - and the wider medical professions - are trained to understand trans people's healthcare needs and to offer high-quality trans-inclusive care.'

In response, a spokesperson for the Royal College of GPs told ITV News: 'It is clear from this survey that while some GPs may have developed additional expertise in gender dysphoria, many do not feel confident or competent to provide treatment without specialist input and advice.

'To this end the College would support the development of a framework to upskill more GPs in the care of adults with gender dysphoria and explore options for how they could help to improve access to appropriate gender dysphoria care in the community.'