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Quiz on Why NHS Works Differently for Men and Women

Posted on: Friday, 9 December 2005, 15:00 CST

By JOHN McCANN Health Reporter

jonathan. paisley@ eveningtimes. co. uk PATIENTS in Glasgow will be quizzed to find out why the health service works differently for men and women.

The Equal Opportunities Commission is supporting a survey to improve access to treatment and ensure people get the right treatment.

The move comes in advance of laws that will require health boards to ensure they provide appropriate services for all groups.

Sue Laughlin, NHS Greater Glasgow's women's health co-ordinator, said gender issues affect a number of conditions.

She explained: "Men and women have different paths into ill health.

"More women than men present for treatment for depression and anxiety while men are more likely to use alcohol or drugs.

"But we don't know why that is."

Until recently heart disease was seen as a male problem. But it is also the number one cause of death in women and they may have different symptoms which are not picked up due to lack of research.

The health board has already established a women's health policy, a women's health team and a men's health team to improve services.

They will be involved in three projects, covering mental health, tobacco and strokes.

Officials will carry out a study of existing research to identify where men or women get better results from services and explore the reasons why.

They will also talk to groups of patients in the city to see whether patients feel able to get help or find the help on offer attractive.

The results should help improve the approach of health workers to patients of either sex.

john. mccann@ eveningtimes. co. uk

Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)

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