Doctors have been called on to avail of training opportunities to help them better understand the identities and needs of their LGBTI+ patients.

According to the president of the Medical Council, Dr Suzanne Crowe, many improvements have been made within the health service in addressing the healthcare needs of the LGBTI+ community in recent years, “but more can be done”.

“As doctors, we must continue to work for our patients’ needs and fulfill our ethical role as advocates for patient needs.

“Doctors should avail of training programmes, courses and workshops to ensure they are aware of the healthcare needs of the LGBTI+ community, while also making themselves aware of the needs of the various groups in the LGBTI+ community such as the trans community, older LGBTI+ people, LGBTI+ migrants and refugees, LGBTI+ members of the travelling community and the young LGBTI+ community,” Dr Crowe commented.

She said that there are some excellent courses and workshops available for doctors and other healthcare professionals, that are provided by a number of organisations, such as the HSE, postgraduate training bodies, advocacy groups and charities.

“Good communication skills are key in caring for and treating patients, and these skills must be developed throughout a doctor’s career. By continuing to build on their communication skills and attending courses and webinars, doctors can learn how to better care for patients and their loved ones and to communicate in a meaningful way,” Dr Crowe insisted.

She noted that it is key that doctors respect their patients and “use the correct terminology and pronouns, which the patient identifies with”.

According to the Medical Council’s CEO, Leo Kearns, LGBTI+ patients have a right to be treated with respect and understanding, “in the same way as all patients should be treated”. Likewise, doctors and other healthcare workers who are part of the LGBTI+ community, should be treated with respect by patients and those using health services.

He said that the workplace that a doctor practises in “should enable doctors and their patients to feel comfortable, regardless of their sexuality, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics”.

“The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 highlights the importance of those in healthcare roles being trained to understand the identities and needs of their LGBTI+ patients, and this is something the Medical Council strongly encourages all doctors to do,” Mr Kearns added.