‘Gay-friendly’ healthcare

HOMOSEXUALS or bisexuals face additional problems in accessing health services, according to a report due to be published by the Equality Authority this week.

The study into the experience of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in accessing health services in the HSE’s north-west region identified concerns about the ability of healthcare workers to deal with the specific needs of such patients.

Three out of 10 participants claimed they had never informed medical staff about their sexual orientation, while 50% had only disclosed it to some healthcare providers.