Send Completed Information Package to the Surgical Center(s)

In BC, publicly-funded gender-affirming vaginoplasty and vulvoplasty surgery are primarily done at Gender Surgery Program of BC (GSP BC) or GRS Montreal. At this time, you can be referred to both surgical centers.

Select the centre below where you will be having surgery.

  • GSP BC (Vancouver)
  • GRS Montreal

GSP BC (Vancouver)

Steps to set up a surgery date

STEP 1

Once your assessments are complete and your referral has been sent, the Gender Surgery Program of BC will contact your GP or NP to confirm they received it.

You can also call GSP BC directly and confirm that they received your referral package.

  • 1-604-875-5060

STEP 2

GSP BC will contact you to book a surgical consult. This can take upwards of a year.

STEP 3

Once you have had your surgical consult appointment, you will be placed on a waitlist for a surgery date.

GRS Montreal

Steps to set up a surgery date

STEP 1 

Once your assessments are complete and your referral has been sent, contact GRS Montreal to request an information package.

STEP 2

GRS Montreal will send you a package that includes information and a number of documents that they want you to fill out and send back to them.

STEP 3

Once GRS Montreal receives your completed package, they will contact you to book your surgery date.

  • The above process can take some time.
  • You may want to follow up with GRS Montreal to make sure they have received your completed package and to ask if they require any additional documentation.
  • If you experience any challenges with this process, contact Trans Care BC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I learn more about the Gender Surgery Program of BC (GSP BC)?

The GSP BC website has a “resource” section with the following:

  • a recording of their Information Session from September 18, 2019
  • a Frequently Asked Questions document

Are the costs for travelling for this surgery covered?

No, but you can apply for financial support. Please see the Make Travel Arrangements section for details.

Are the costs of staying in Vancouver (before or after my hospital stay) funded?

Some people may prefer to stay in Vancouver for a couple days before and/or after their surgery. These accommodation costs are not funded, though GSP BC surgical team will give you a list of hotels with reduced medical rates.

Are the costs for staying at the aftercare facility in Montreal covered?

Yes. The costs for staying at the Asclepiade aftercare facility are paid by Trans Care BC.

Where can I learn more about the surgeons at the GSP BC?

The GSP BC website has a “Meet the Surgeons” section that introduces the surgeons. If you have questions about requirements or would like up-to-date estimates of wait times, you can call the GSP BC.

Where can I learn more about the surgeons at GRS Montreal?

To learn more about the surgeons, check out GRS Montreal’s The Surgeons.

If you have questions about a surgeon’s requirements or would like up-to-date estimates of wait times, you can call GRS Montreal.

What if GSP BC is not able to do my surgery?

If you are not medically eligible for surgery in BC, your surgical team will work with you to determine if other surgical centres may be an option. Clients can call Trans Care BC for more information.

What if GRS Montreal is not able to do my surgery?

At this time, people can be referred to Gender Surgery Program BC and/or GRS Montreal.

Certain medical conditions may put someone at higher risk for experiencing complications during surgery. It might be recommended that a person have surgery in a hospital operation room rather than the GRS Montreal private surgical centre. If GRS Montreal is not able to do your surgery, your GP or NP can refer you to the Gender Surgery Program BC to discuss your options.

If you are not medically eligible for surgery in BC, your surgical team will work with you to determine if other surgical centres may be an option. Clients can call Trans Care BC for more information.