At Millbrook Medical Centre we are proud to promote diversity and equality to all our patients.
Shockingly, the evidence from NHS England shows that LGBTQ+ people have disproportionately worse health outcomes and experiences of healthcare in the UK. LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination in the UK. This is unacceptable, and we need to increase our efforts to address these health inequalities.
Some research has found a higher prevalence of disability in the LGBTQ+ community, especially in younger people. Disabled queer people can experience multiple levels of discrimination, as well as additional struggles to receive the right care. They may also find their sexuality dismissed entirely as people with physical and learning disabilities often find that their sex and love lives are overlooked or ignored.
Concerningly, according to the Stonewall report, one in seven (14%) LGBTQ+ people have avoided medical treatment for fear of discrimination. This figure was almost two in five (37%) for trans people and one in three (33%) for non-binary people.
There are high levels of mental health problems, self-harm and suicide in the queer community, particularly among trans and non-binary people. Nearly half of transgender people considered taking their own life in the last year. These issues have been linked to discrimination, a lack of acceptance and an inability to access the necessary services, including Gender Identity clinics.
As of May 2022, there were only 7 Gender Identity clinics available through the NHS in the UK. The current average waiting time for an appointment within a Gender Identity clinic is 49 months.
Millbrook Medical Centre would like to promote the various help & support available to this demographic in the Knowsley, Sefton & Liverpool area. LGBTQ+ patients awaiting treatment via the NHS may find some of these organisations helpful:
https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/knowsley/cmagic-cheshire-and-merseyside-adult-gender-identity-collaborative (A range of support for gender identity)
https://galop.org.uk/ (Supports LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse, anyone under Conversion Therapy, LGBTQ+ Hate Crime)
https://www.axess.clinic/information/lgbt-info-and-advice/ (LGBTQ+ Sexual health clinic in Liverpool)
https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/liverpool/sexual-health/trans-support-service-tss (Trans Support Service – patients can self refer)
https://www.liverpoolcamhs.com/support/gyro-ypas/ (Support for young people needing support with their gender and/or sexuality)
https://www.seftonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/lgbtqi/support-networking-groups-for-sefton/ (Various groups that offer support and guidance)
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/ (Online support for gender diverse young people and their families/friends)
We strive for all patients to feel safe and comfortable when attending the practice and discussing their care with staff. We encourage all our patients to inform Reception, or the clinician, of your preferred pronouns. This information can then be added to your record.
Cancer and End of Life Care and Support for LGBTQ+ Patients
There are approximately 2.3 million people in the UK who identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) community – a community that continues to experience inequalities throughout the cancer pathway, from screening, to treatment and end-of-life care.
A 2019 study asked non-surgical cancer doctors about their knowledge of, and attitudes to, LGBTQ+ patients. The results found that while most clinicians felt comfortable treating LGBTQ+ patients, there were low rates of routine enquiry about sexual orientation (5%), gender identity (3%) and preferred pronoun use (2%).
Asking these questions as part of a consultation is important in creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ patients, and to get a clearer picture about their support structure and individual healthcare needs.
LGBTQ+ communities experience inequalities throughout their cancer journey, including in screening and diagnosis, clinical care, communication and overall experience.
There’s also a lot of historical discrimination and stigma to overcome.
The older generation, who are at a greater risk of developing cancer now, lived through a time when everything about sexuality and gender identity had to be kept secret, and this can affect what they disclose to their doctors.
It must also be acknowledged that LGBTQ+ patients are not a homogenous group. A person-centred approach is required, with particular consideration to intersectionality, where multiple aspects of identity, such as race and sexuality, overlap.
(Source: Improving cancer care for the LGBTQ+ community – Cancer Research UK – Cancer news)
Below are some links to various organisations LGBTQ+ patients can access in order to receive the necessary services and support for screening, cancer care and end of life care:
Trans and non-binary cancer screening | Cancer Research UK
Transgender and non-binary people and cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
Ovarian cancer information for transgender, intersex and non-binary people | Ovacome
LGBTQ+ people and cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
Palliative and end of life care for LGBTQ+ people | For professionals (mariecurie.org.uk)