Report highlights healthcare challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ community

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) released the LGBTQIA+ Health Needs Assessment today, revealing significant challenges faced by the local LGBTQIA+ community when accessing healthcare.

The assessment shows the compounded disadvantage LGBTQIA+ community members experience due to a lack of safe and inclusive healthcare services, with people delaying or avoiding seeking healthcare due to fear of discrimination or judgment. 

Senior Manager Priority Populations Anita McRae said the findings emphasise the need for a more inclusive healthcare environment.  

"Local LGBTQIA+ people are grappling with a wide range of issues coupled with a shortage of accessible services," Ms McRae said. 

“We need to create a healthcare system that understands and supports everyone. When we look at the concerns people have, like social isolation, financial hurdles, and the importance of better communication and education, it really emphasises the need for specific actions to boost the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community in our region.” 

The report, commissioned by MPHN and developed by Urbis, identifies the health needs, barriers, and enablers to accessing services and support for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Murrumbidgee region.  

ACON and Urbis conducted online health and wellbeing discussion groups to gather information for the report, along with promoting MPHN's Health Needs Assessment survey to the LGBTQIA+ community. 

ACON National Health Lead – Pride Inclusion Programs Francisco Lopez said the recommendations signpost the way forward to making healthcare more inclusive.  

“We are seeing healthcare providers implement meaningful change that reduces the burden on LGBTQIA+ people, from providing staff with inclusion and awareness training, to reviewing language on intake forms, through to establishing inclusive referral networks,” Mr Lopez said. 

“By focusing on safety, better data collection, improved referrals, staff development, and community connections, we can work together to create a healthcare system that truly understands and supports the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community." 

To read the full report, visit mphn.org.au/health-needs-assessments