A first ever review has been launched to tackle health inequalities experience by LGBT+ people in the NHS.

The six-month investigation will examine data and evidence from a range of research and clinical settings, including mental health, sexual and reproductive health, HIV, perinatal care, primary care and cancer screening, as well as smoking, alcohol and drug prevention services.

Health and social care secretary 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.'

In the Government's national LGBT survey (2018) LGBT+ people reported poor access to mental health services and poor experience of healthcare services in general. The GP Patient Experience Survey demonstrated LGBT+ respondents had higher rates of mental health conditions and were more likely to report poor experience at their GP.

The review will be led by Dr Michael Brady, national adviser for LGBT Health at NHS England and a final report and recommendations will be presented to Wes Streeting in December.

Joan Saddler, director of partnerships and equality at the NHS Confederation, said: ‘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."

Find out more information about the review and how to submit evidence.