The SoR has welcomed NHS England’s review of LGBT+ health evidence to help the NHS workforce understand the healthcare needs of the LGBT+ people, and the barriers they face when accessing care.
Led by Dr Michael Brady, national adviser for LGBT+ health at NHS England, the review will explore individuals’ experiences of healthcare and how the specific needs of LGBT+ people should be best met.
It aims to better understand the impact of existing health inequalities on patient outcomes and safety.
'Best possible understanding of the issues'
Dr Brady said: “It’s unacceptable that LGBT+ people have a poorer overall experience of health services, which leads to worse health outcomes. 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.
“We will use an evidence-based approach to examine where and why these inequalities persist and to recommend how we should focus our energies on addressing them, as well as describing areas of best practice.
“I’m very keen for any organisations or individuals who work in healthcare who might have valuable data or evidence to contribute to the review, so we can get the best possible understanding of the issues and make effective recommendations to the government.”
10 Year Health Plan
SoR encourages members in higher education, research and clinical practice to consider submitting evidence that might be relevant.
Academics, clinicians, public health professionals, local authorities, service providers, the voluntary sector and other organisations are all being called upon to submit data which could help further analysis.
The review will be aligned with the commitments in the 10 Year Health Plan, in particular how the three shifts of hospital to community, sickness to prevention and analogue to digital can address LGBT+ health inequalities.
After six months, data and evidence from a range of research and clinical settings, including mental health, sexual and reproductive health, HIV, perinatal care, primary care and cancer screening as well as smoking, alcohol and drug prevention services, will be reviewed.
'Serving everyone equally'
A report and recommendations will be prepared for the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in December.
Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: “The NHS is at its best when it serves everyone equally – but evidence shows this hasn’t been happening. For too many LGBT+ people, accessing quality healthcare remains a challenge, and one often marked by discrimination, misunderstanding, and miseducation.
“That’s why I’ve commissioned a comprehensive review into LGBT+ health inequalities – because every patient deserves dignity, respect, and excellent care, regardless of who they are or who they love. Through our Plan for Change, we’re not just rebuilding our NHS, we’re building it back better for everyone.”
Evidence submission closes on Sunday 31 August. More information is available online at the NHS England LGBT+ health evidence review.
(Image: Dr. Michael Brady, via NHS England)