A greater understanding of the needs of LGBTQIA+ patients in Norfolk is needed to help enhance their health care.
That is one of the key findings of a new report published by Healthwatch Norfolk, which gathers people’s experiences of health and care.
Their team attended both Norwich Pride and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Pride encouraging attendees to answer the question ‘Do you feel that being part of the LGBTQIA+ community affects your health care?’
People were then asked to talk further about their experiences if they wished.
Findings
A total of 164 responses were received to the ‘yes or no’ question with 36 more detailed responses.
58 per cent felt being part of the LGBTQIA+ community did affect their care while 42 per cent felt it did not.
Most of the more detailed responses had a more negative tone with only four giving a more positive response.
One of the most common themes was around a lack of understanding or consideration for a person’s sexuality and gender when it came to their treatment.
This included issues around gender stereotyping and a lack of awareness of transgender issues.
Some people were also frustrated around some of the questions and procedures they were asked to undertake including being offered pregnancy tests or contraception if it was not relevant.
Various issues were raised including the need for awareness of the needs of trans patients and the questions they may be asked in a consultation.
Other respondents felt their mental health concerns were either brushed aside due to their gender transition or attributed to the transition itself.
There was positive feedback with people telling Healthwatch Norfolk adjustments has been made around their sexuality and gender. One said: “The sexual health clinic made a note on my chart to not keep offering me condoms as we don’t need them.”
You can read the full report at https://healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk/reports/2024-pride-report/
Recommendations
Based on the feedback, Healthwatch Norfolk is recommending a greater awareness and consideration for the LGBTQIA+ community when it comes to their access to health care, and their life experience, to make health care a more positive experience.
Reaction
Judith Sharpe, Healthwatch Norfolk deputy chief executive, said: “Two-thirds of people who shared their experience with us felt that being LGBTQIA+ did affect their health care. That seems a very high number and we would urge those providing health and care to ensure all their staff are aware of the needs of this community.
“It was not all negative and there was also some positive good practice that we are sharing in our report too, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to talk to us at the two Pride events.
“We do feel this is a subject we would like investigate further to explore the issues in more depth, and we would like to work with other partners in the future to look at some of the themes and experiences in detail.”
