Landmark NHS review to tackle LGBT+ health inequalities

The NHS has launched its first-ever national review to address the health inequalities experienced by LGBT+ people, focusing on improving access to care and health outcomes across services including mental health, cancer screening, and primary care.

The six-month review will be led by Dr Michael Brady, National Adviser for LGBT Health at NHS England. It aims to identify and address the barriers LGBT+ people face in accessing healthcare and the impact of these inequalities on patient safety and outcomes.

The review will examine data and evidence across a wide range of services, including:

Mental health
Sexual and reproductive health
HIV and perinatal care
Primary care and cancer screening
Smoking, alcohol, and drug prevention services

It builds on existing evidence, including the 2018 National LGBT Survey, which found that LGBT+ people reported poorer access to mental health services and worse experiences in general healthcare. The GP Patient Experience Survey also shows higher rates of mental health conditions and lower satisfaction among LGBT+ patients.

The NHS is inviting academics, clinicians, public health professionals, local authorities, service providers, and voluntary organisations to submit relevant data and insights to support the review.

The findings will inform a final report and set of recommendations to be presented to Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting in December 2025.

Commenting on the review, 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.

“That’s why I’ve commissioned a comprehensive review into LGBT+ health inequalities – because every patient deserves dignity, respect, and excellent care, regardless of who they are or who they love. Through our Plan for Change, we’re not just rebuilding our NHS, we’re building it back better for everyone.”

The review supports the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan, particularly its three core shifts:

From hospital to community care
From sickness to prevention
From analogue to digital services

These shifts are seen as key to addressing LGBT+ health inequalities and ensuring more inclusive, accessible, and effective care for all.

NHS Confederation has welcomed the review, with Director of Partnerships and Equality Joan Saddler, saying:

“We welcome this review to help the NHS understand where and why these inequalities persist and what more can be done to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people.

“Everyone deserves to have a positive healthcare experience and we are deeply concerned that LGBTQ+ people face significant health inequalities, both in terms of access to care and overall health outcomes.

“We support the government’s ambition to create a health system where everyone feels safe, respected, and seen, and we look forward to reading the recommendations in the final report.”