We are gender inclusive, we do not discriminate on grounds of sex or gender identity and our work helps to tackle persistent gender inequalities
Being gender inclusive means behaving in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes.
The Scottish Government Women’s Health Plan has identified there is a clear need for wider systemic change to ensure that all our health and social care services meet the needs of all women.
We know, for example:
- Women in the most affluent areas of Scotland will have 25.1 more years of good health compared to women in the most deprived areas. In West Lothian female life expectancy and healthy life expectancy is lower than the Scotland average.
- Almost 1 in 10 deaths in women in Scotland each year are caused by coronary heart disease.
- On average, the life expectancy of women with a learning disability is 18 years shorter than for women in the general population.
- An estimated 1.5 million (1 in ten) women in the UK of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis, and it takes an average of 8.5 years to diagnose.
Non-binary and trans people have very poor health and wellbeing.
We know, for example:
- Only 9% of non-binary and 12% of trans masculine people rated their general mental and emotional wellbeing positively. Trans and non-binary people were particularly likely to speak about suicidal thoughts, although these tended to subside after transition.
- There can be issues about GPs misdiagnosing people through assumptions about their sexuality or gender identity, inadequate knowledge about some identities and concerns around confidentiality.
- There is huge frustration and dissatisfaction with the waiting times for Gender Identity Clinics. People describe the impact of excessive waiting times as including anxiety, depression and anguish and continued dysphoria.
- A study in England found poor communication and assumptions made by clinicians about patients’ gender and sexual orientation undermines clinical relationships. This leads to disengagement and loss of trust. Some terminology and practices can feel excluding to LGBT people and negative experiences can be linked to incorrect assumptions about partners, gender identities and the use of incorrect pronouns. This can also cause unnecessary anxiety and distress.
- NHS Lothian and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde identified that there were gaps in our knowledge about the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ people. To better inform approaches to public health for LGBT+ people we commissioned a comprehensive health needs assessment of LGBT+ people in both health board areas.
Over the next 5 years
We will listen to people with lived experience and act
- We will establish formal structures to hear the voices of men, women, trans and non-binary people and use their lived experiences to create gender inclusive services.
We will improve our services
- We will take action to reduce women’s health inequalities as set out in the National Women’s Health Plan.
- We will take action to address the findings from the LGBT health needs assessment for trans and non-binary people.
- We will continue to take action to reduce the negative impact on the health and wellbeing of trans people caused by Gender Identity Clinic waiting times.
We will support our staff
- We will support staff to use gender inclusive language through new guidance and tools.
- We will ensure our workplaces are inclusive and welcoming for men, women, trans and non-binary people.
