Frances Rintoul
Lead Nurse
University Nursing Service
The Challenge
Fran noted healthcare barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals, including limited access and negative provider encounters, leading to health risks.
Emphasising inclusive primary care, Fran highlighted the need for welcoming environments to support transgender and non-binary groups, promoting safety and well-being in accessing healthcare services (Transactual, 2023).
“There is a reluctance to disclose sexual orientation or gender identity due to fear of negative reactions.”
(Hidden figures: LGBT health inequalities in the UK, 2023)
The Innovation
Fran has developed a mandatory training program in her practice as part of PLTs alongside a visibly inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community.
Staff have received LGBTQ+ training which includes understanding primary care responsibilities in terms of ensuring equity of service provisions.
Evidence of LGBT+ people experiences
The Impact
- Visibly inclusive surgery practice
- Patients feel safe and represented, with positive feedback
- Staff trained in pronoun use, preferred names, and changing gender markers on NHS records.
- Enhanced ability to code Trans and Non-binary patients for appropriate screening.
- Mandatory staff training addressing LGBTQ+ community support and awareness of healthcare barriers.
