At last, the primary care research men need

How much does gender affect access to primary care services? The MHF, in partnership with the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol has been commissioned to lead a study into the relationship between a person's sex and his or her access to health services - in particular primary care services.

'Of course, the immediate impetus has come from the requirements of the Equality Act 2006', said MHF Policy Officer, David Wilkins, right, who is leading the study, 'but this piece of work has been sorely needed for a very long time. Everyone knows that both men and women are disadvantaged in the provision of some services.  Sometimes it is one sex, sometimes it is the other. It should make a real difference once planners and policy makers have all the relevant information in one place.'

The research team is reviewing the literature on this subject with particular emphasis on sexual health, mental health, cancer, heart disease, obesity and substance misuse.  The final report will also include a digest of the most important data and a series of interviews with senior policy makers in each of the areas of interest. It will draw on its findings for practical recommendations aimed at redressing gender imbalances in NHS provision.