Doctor to have sex change operation

A hospital medical director and consultant gynaecologist has revealed that he is undergoing a sex change.

Dr Colin Bone, 60, who works at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, is taking extended leave later this year for a gender reassignment operation. He plans to return to the hospital in the same professional roles in the autumn, when he will be known as Miss Celia Macleod.

Dr Bone, who has has already begun hormone treatment, said he had the full support of his wife, Gloria, with whom he will continue to live, and his 27-year-old son, a London-based lawyer. He decided to have the operation after suffering years of anguish as he came to terms with being transsexual. Dr Bone said: "As far as my patients are concerned, I will be carrying on as normal."

In a statement the hospital said: "The transition is being made with the full knowledge of the hospital trust board. The trust has written to all his patients with an explanation. They will continue to receive the highest possible standards of care from him and other specialists."

Dr Bone has worked as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the hospital since 1982 and was appointed medical director in October 2002.