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Londonwide LMCs chief executive Dr Stewart Drage has called for 'respect' after being forced to announce last week that he had changed gender.

Dr Drage, who has undergone almost three years of gender change treatment, planned to reveal the change in September but was forced to bring the announcement forward after a national newspaper was tipped off.

Dr Drage, who will now be known permanently as Michelle, assured the capital's GPs she remains focused on her LMC and GPC work.

Dr Drage said she was 'absolutely determined' to support GPs and improve healthcare in London in the face of challenges from the government.

Her gender reassignment has not affected the tough business of negotiating with the government and PCT chief executives, she said.

'I have found no barriers in the BMA, the profession, or from the other side during negotiations,' said Dr Drage.

'People don't realise how long this has been going on. I'm not looking for acceptance, I'm looking for respect.'

Dr Drage narrowly missed out on being re-elected to the GPC negotiating team last week, but pledged to stand for re-election next year, and to dedicate extra time to fighting polyclinics.

London is a barometer for what is happening in the health service across the country, Dr Drage said.

'Next week we are presenting our petition to Downing Street. The BMA's campaign was useful but Londonwide LMCs' campaign (Keep My NHS Local) has been the one that has really galvanised the attention.'

Practices in London were being forced into polyclinics, she said. 'PCTs are saying: "If you don't sign up we will not be investing in you".'

tom.ireland@haymarket.com

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