NHS Launches Landmark Review into LGBT+ Health Inequalities

The NHS has announced its first ever national review aimed at tackling health inequalities faced by LGBT+ communities. This bold move seeks to better understand and address the barriers LGBT+ people experience when accessing care, from mental health and cancer screening to primary care services.

Led by Dr Michael Brady, National Adviser for LGBT Health at NHS England, the six-month review will take an evidence-based approach to uncover the roots of these disparities. It will explore existing research and data across a wide range of health areas, including:

• Mental health support
• Sexual and reproductive health
• HIV and perinatal care
• Cancer screening and primary care
• Substance use and prevention services

The review builds on alarming evidence already available. The 2018 National LGBT Survey revealed widespread dissatisfaction with access and quality of healthcare among LGBT+ people. Similarly, the GP Patient Experience Survey highlighted higher rates of mental health conditions and poorer overall experiences for LGBT+ patients compared to the general population.

Dr Brady commented: “It’s unacceptable that LGBT+ people have a poorer overall experience of health services, which leads to worse health outcomes. This is the first review to look in depth at this issue and make recommendations which will help the NHS better meet the health needs of LGBT+ people.”

The findings and recommendations will be presented to Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting in December 2025. The review also supports the 10 Year Health Plan, particularly its priorities of shifting care from hospital to community, focusing on prevention, and embracing digital innovation.

Calling for wide collaboration, the NHS is inviting academics, clinicians, local authorities, voluntary sector partners, and others to contribute data and evidence to strengthen the review.

Wes Streeting said: “The NHS is at its best when it serves everyone equally – but evidence shows this hasn’t been happening. For too many LGBT+ people, accessing quality healthcare remains a challenge, and one often marked by discrimination, misunderstanding, and miseducation.”

Want to find out more or contribute to the review? Click here for full details and how to get involved.