A new initiative for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) patientswill force practices to be “more accommodating” to their patient needs, it isclaimed.
The benchmarking ‘Pride in Practice’ standard, due to belaunched next month, is hoped to encourage practices to ensure their LGBpatients are treated fairly.
Practices that sign up to the standard will be expected tocreate a “welcoming environment”, which includes the use of inclusive languageand imagery, the monitoring of sexual orientation and the provision of trainingfor staff on specific LGB issues.
A new initiative for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) patients will force practices to be “more accommodating” to their patient needs, it is claimed.
The benchmarking ‘Pride in Practice’ standard, due to be launched next month, is hoped to encourage practices to ensure their LGB patients are treated fairly.
Practices that sign up to the standard will be expected to create a “welcoming environment”, which includes the use of inclusive language and imagery, the monitoring of sexual orientation and the provision of training for staff on specific LGB issues.
Bronze, silver or gold certificates will then be awarded to practices in recognition of their achievements.
“I think Pride in Practice is a great initiative…GPs are going to have to be more accommodating to all of their patients needs,” said TV’s Dr Christian Jessen.
“It’s important to remember that patients have a choice about which GP practice they use, especially as these days they have to run more like a business, it is in the interests of practices to show that they are welcoming to lesbian, gay and bisexual patients… I fully approve of this.”
Both the Urban Village Medical Practice in Ancoats and The Docs in Manchester are currently piloting the standard – developed jointly between The Lesbian and Gay Foundation and NHS North West.
