Key Summary
- NHS launches its first-ever review to address healthcare inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ people, focusing on areas like mental health, cancer screening, and primary care
- Led by Dr Michael Brady, the six-month review will gather data to understand barriers and improve health outcomes
- Findings will be submitted to Health Secretary Wes Streeting in December to help shape inclusive NHS services
The NHS on Tuesday (29) launched its maiden review to solve healthcare gaps suffered by LGBTQ+ community in areas like mental health care, cancer screening and primary care services.
The evidence-based report and recommendations will be presented to the health secretary Wes Streeting in December under the leadership of Dr Michael Brady, national adviser for LGBT health at NHS England.
Compared to the general population, the LGBTQ+ people suffer more inequalities in accessing healthcare.
The six-month review will help in realising further ways to fulfill the needs of the LGBTQ+ people, by comprehending the barriers they face along with the impact of these inequalities on outcomes and patient safety.
Necessary data are gathered from various settings like mental health, sexual and reproductive health, HIV, perinatal care, primary care, cancer screening and smoking, alcohol and drug prevention services.
NHS decided to review this issue after several research findings like the government’s national LGBT survey (2018) and the GP Patient Experience Survey showed the poor mental health conditions of LGBTQ+ people due to limited access to services.
The review is in line with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan that focuses on shifting hospital to community, sickness to prevention as well as analogue to digital.
“This is the first review to look in depth at this issue and make recommendations which will help the NHS better meet the health needs of LGBT+ people,” Dr Brady said.
Streeting said, “The NHS is at its best when it serves everyone equally. That’s why I’ve commissioned a comprehensive review into LGBTQ+ health inequalities – because every patient deserves dignity, respect, and excellent care, regardless of who they are or who they love.”
The NHS is urging academics, clinicians, public health professionals, local authorities, service providers, voluntary sector and other related organisations to provide information which could support the review.
