Healthcare experiences
LGBTQ+ patients’ healthcare experiences
The vast majority of doctors, physician associates and anaesthesia associates aim to provide excellent care to LGBTQ+ patients. We’ve heard many positive stories where they have treated LGBTQ+ patients inclusively and sensitively. However, we know there may be occasions where the care provided by a doctor, physician associate or anaesthesia associate falls short.
Positive examples where doctors have treated LGBTQ+ patients inclusively and sensitively
A doctor understanding the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity when treating a male patient who was both gay and trans.
A doctor delivering acute care asking a patient about their ‘partner’, not making any assumptions about their sexual orientation.
An emergency doctor offering to call a critically ill gay woman’s partner, without making any judgement on their relationship.
Occasions where the care provided by a doctor fell short
A doctor failing to treat lesbian or bi women patients correctly by not offering a smear test.
A doctor misgendering a patient after they chose to disclose their gender identity.
A doctor making offensive comments about a patient’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Stonewall’s LGBT in Britain: health report includes further examples of LGBT people’s experiences of accessing healthcare. And research by the LGBT foundation assesses health inequalities faced by LGBT communities across the UK.
