LGBT+ Health Inequalities Review

UK Launches First-Ever Review Into LGBT+ Health Inequalities

The NHS has just announced its first-ever national review into health inequalities affecting LGBT+ people. This review will look at the barriers that prevent LGBT+ communities from getting fair, high-quality healthcare.

Why It Matters

LGBT+ people often face worse health outcomes and experience more challenges accessing care, including:

• Struggles with mental health support

• Lower participation in cancer screening

• Poor experiences in primary care

• Higher risks linked to smoking, alcohol, and substance use

  
  

These gaps don’t just affect health, they can also make people distrust the system. The review aims to understand why these inequalities happen and how they can be fixed.

What the Review Will Cover

The evidence review will focus on areas like:

• Mental health

• Sexual and reproductive health

• HIV care

• Pregnancy and perinatal care

• Primary care and cancer screening

• Prevention services (like quitting smoking or tackling substance use)

It will also look at patient safety and overall outcomes.

Dr Michael Brady, NHS England’s National Adviser for LGBT Health, is leading the project, and his team will:

• Review existing research

• Analyse health data

• Hear from organisations, clinicians, and LGBT+ people themselves

• Hold engagement events around the country

The final recommendations are expected by December 2025.

The Big Picture

This review isn’t just about data, it’s about real people’s experiences.

Many LGBT+ individuals avoid care because of past negative experiences, and inequalities can be worse for those with intersecting marginalised identities. There are challenges, like gaps in data and ensuring recommendations are put into action. But done right, this review could make a real difference, helping to create a healthcare system that treats everyone with respect and understanding.