Diversity and health inequalities: the role of the practice nurse.

Abstract

General Practice Nurse (GPN) practice is becoming increasingly diverse, due to a changing patient base and political climate which impacts upon their role. Over the last decade there has been an increase in the number of foreign born individuals living in the UK, the number of individuals identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBQT) as well as the number of people living with a long term health condition or disability. Yet all of these groups also experience greater health inequalities, despite increasing political drives in the UK and internationally to address this. General Practice Nurses are ideally placed to address health inequalities by facilitating health access for diverse groups however in order to do this they have to recognise and respond to the cultural values of the patient they are working with.