A transgender patient who turned to drugs and alcohol because of their gender dysphoria has spoken out at her happiness for being fully accepted at St Andrew’s.

Amy, who has been taking hormones since 2016, has praised Church Ward staff located inside the Malcolm Arnold Building for their understanding and patience.

Speaking during Transgender Awareness Week, the 37-year-old agreed to waive her anonymity, as she wanted to talk openly about her journey.

She said: “I knew from the age of six that I wanted to be a woman but I hid it until I was 23. Hiding who I was upset me and I used to take drugs and drink a lot.”

Amy, who also has a personality disorder, a learning disability and emotional personality disorder, eventually told a doctor how she felt.

“I explained the feelings I had been having and the doctor referred me to a gender clinic and I started to dress as a woman. I felt happy then.”

Amy has now been at St Andrew’s for three years after her previous hospital in Grimsby closed down, says since arriving staff have done nothing but support her.

“Everyone here helps me and recognises me as Amy. It’s made me feel really good and I’m looking forward to one day being able to have my surgery.”