The following are a collection of ED-relevant resources. You can find almost anything you need to know for transgender patient care in the ED below.

Clinical Information

Transcare BC (via PHSA)

• A hub for trans care in BC, coordinating services across BC. You can access almost every other resource through this website. There are also informational links explaining the basics of transgender affirming care, detailing the surgical process for patients, etc.
• Specific instructions on how to prescribe hormone therapy, screen patients, and start the surgical referral process can be found here: PHSA Medical Forms.
• View the patient services Transcare BC provides (printable handout).
• They also have a care coordinator number that patients can call for assistance as they navigate these resources:
  • Transcare BC local: 1-866-999-1514
  • Transcare BC email: transcareteam@phsa.ca

Other

• Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents and Adults. Primers on gender dysphoria. (Canadian Psychiatric Association and American Psychiatric Association).
• What is Gender Dysphoria? (American Psychiatric Association).
• Surgical Information Sheets. A rundown of all the major types of gender affirming surgeries, including expected results, complications, etc. (Rainbow Health Ontario).
• Families in Transition Guide. A booklet for parents and families of transgender youth. (Central Toronto Youth Services).

BC Children’s Hospital Gender Clinic

• This clinic accepts patients who are under 17 years old from across BC. Their website runs through the referral process and what to expect from a visit

The Gender Surgery Program at VGH

• The only clinic in Western Canada offering “bottom” surgeries. Bottom surgery is surgery performed on a person’s genitals as part of gender reassignment. You can make referrals through a fillable form on the website and fax it to their main triage.

On-Call Services

RACE Line

• Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise (RACE) line is a telephone resource where primary care providers can get in touch with consultants from a variety of fields. The transgender care consultation number is useful for the ED, as these consultants are not readily available at most hospitals.
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 0800-1700
  • Local Calls: 604-696-2131
  • Toll Free: 1-877-696-2131
• Raceconnect.ca: What is race?
• You can also access this service virtually by making an account: Raceconnect.ca: eCASE

BCCH Gender Clinic 

• 24-hour emergency pager – 604-875-2161 and ask for on-call physician