Over 70 percent of LGBT doctors experience homophobia in the NHS
Over 70 percent of LGBT doctors have experienced ‘environmental’ homophobia in the NHS over the last two years according to a new study.
In addition, 12 percent reported experiencing serious harassment or abuse as a result of their sexuality.
The survey was jointly commissioned by the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Association of LGBT Doctors & Dentists (GLADD), and asked 803 LGBT doctors about their experiences of harassment.
12 percent felt they had suffered discrimination in their employment or studies because of their sexuality, but only a fifth of those reported the discrimination.
Similarly, just a quarter of those who suffered harassment or abuse decided to report it to someone senior.
One respondent, Dominic, transitioned while working as a hospital consultant. He said he was “shocked at the level of ignorance.”
“I don’t think the NHS is an LGBT-friendly environment,” he said. “There are pockets of understanding, pockets of openness but there is a large degree of hostility.”
The BMA has urged its members to rally together against homophobia in the wake of the report.
“The experiences related in this report show us that too many of our colleagues are still experiencing the NHS as a less than supportive place to work and be themselves,” said BMA representative body chair Anthea Mowat.
“We are committed to doing everything in our power to change that.”
The NHS has recently been forced to defend itself against accusations of homophobia over the decision not to fund PrEP treatment.
