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the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity

Health & Healthcare

If you are a patient who is interested in their health or has experienced discrimination please go to our health information page 

Overview

Stonewall works to remove health inequalities experienced by lesbian, gay and bisexual people. The policy and research team conducts research, publishes guidance and works with central government departments, agencies and health and social care providers on the issues affecting the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. 

What we know

  • About LGB health needs

For in-depth information on health issues affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people please visit any of the research reviews below. Please note these research reviews were produced in 2007, before the publication of the Prescription for Change Report:

Alternatively, to read the research review in full, please click here.


  • About Lesbian Health Needs

In 2007, Stonewall invited lesbian and bisexual women to complete a survey about their health needs and experiences of the health sector. We were overwhelmed with the response. Over 6,000 women completed the survey, making this the largest survey of lesbian and bisexual women's health needs outside America. The picture they paint should disturb any healthcare practitioner. Please follow the link below for a summary of the key findings and recommendations and to download a PDF version of the report.

Prescription for Change: Lesbian and Bisexual women's health check 2008 

  • About employment in the healthcare sector

The Goods and Services Regulations which came into force in April 2007 ensure that GPs and hospitals have to treat everyone equally, regardless of their sexual orientation. However, Stonewall is aware that lesbian and gay patients and staff still experience discrimination and harassment in health and social care.  Continue reading below to find out what we are doing about this.

What we have done

We’ve worked with the Department of Health, the General Medical Council and other organisations to produce a series of guides for healthcare providers. These publications are:

In February 2009 we published guidance for the NHS which gives practical advice to enable NHS organisations to address their responsibilities relating to sexual orientation and employment or healthcare delivery.

What we are currently doing

 

The Head of Policy and Research is a member of the Department of Health’s advisory group on lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans issues. 

The Policy and Research team advise central government departments, agencies and health and social care providers on the issues affecting the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. 

 

Please go to Stonewall Consult for more information. 

 

Stonewall, supported by the London Women’s Clinic, has produced a guide called "Pregnant Pause" for lesbian women on how to get pregnant and on the legal implications of parenthood in light of the many recent law changes.


Please go to Fertility Review for more information on this current campaign. 


To download a copy of Pregnant Pause, click here.

 

To order a hard copy of Pregnant Pause or for more information on Stonewall's work in health please contact 08000 50 20 20 or info@stonewall.org.uk.

 

 

Useful links

 

  • Gay and Lesbian Association of Doctors and Dentists (GLADD) 
    BM Box 5606 London WC1N 3XX
    Email: secretary@gladd.org.uk 
    GLADD is a membership organisation for LGBT doctors and dentists.

  • GMFA 
    Unit 43 Eurolink Centre 49 Effra Road London SW2 1BZ
    020 7738 6872
    Email: gmfa@gmfa.org.uk 
    GMFA is a nationwide organisation running gay men’s health promotion campaigns and providing health advice and support services.

  • Health With Pride
    Health With Pride is an online resource for LGB patients and the healthcare professionals who serve them.

  • Naz Project London (NPL) 
    Palingwick House 241 King Street London W6 9LP
    020 8741 1879
    Email: npl@naz.org.uk 
    NPL provides sexual health and HIV prevention and support services to targeted black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in London. It also provides training services to voluntary, community and statutory organisations as well as a wide range of free resources.

  • PACE 
    34 Hartham Road London N7 9JL
    020 7700 1323
    Email: info@pacehealth.org.uk 
    PACE is a London-based organisation promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of the LGBT community. PACE provides free or low-cost mental health, relationship and family support services.

  • Sigma Research 
    University of Portsmouth 77a Tradescant Road London SW8 1XJ
    020 7820 8022
    Email: admin@sigmaresearch.org.uk 
    Sigma Research is a social research group specialising in the behavioural and policy aspects of HIV and sexual health. It also undertakes research and development work on aspects of LGB health and well-being.

  • Department of Health sexual orientation webpage and LGBT Advisory Group
    Publications and other resources for NHS and social care staff, as well as information on the LGBT Advisory Group.

 

 

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