Case Study Analysis

Running head: CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note

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CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
Introduction
The paper analyses the case study involving one Dr. Roi, a paediatrician who had refused
to provide medical care to a baby belonging to lesbian couple because it was against her “anti-
gay religious beliefs”. Due to her refusal, the same-sex couple had to consult another
paediatrician. After four months, Dr. Roi sent an apology letter to the couple but did not
withdraw her refusal to provide care to the baby.
The aim of this paper is to identify the problems or issues in the above case by making
use of relevant theories and concepts. Certain theories and concepts shall be used to explain the
issues and provide solutions for the same. These include equality, diversity, social justice and
sexual orientation theory. the paper argues that proper outlining of the laws regarding religious
beliefs being practiced in the workplace and the rights of the patients must be done to ensure
equality in healthcare.
Description
From the case study, it is clear that the paediatrician has discriminated against the patient
because of the sexual orientation of the parents. Further issues in the case study also include the
unequal treatment of patients thus breaking the Equality Law based on sexual orientation, breach
of healthcare rights, and lack of diversity recognition.
Discussion
Dyer and das Nair (2013) have found in a systematic review that there is a major absence
of awareness amongst healthcare workers about the lesbian, gay or bisexual people and their
needs. The review found that these healthcare professionals need proper training so that they

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CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
could understand the the needs of these people with different sexual orientation. Due to lack of
this knowledge, the healthcare professionals often engage in discriminatory practices against the
patients (Ageuk.org.uk 2019). The given case study is a good example of such discrimination.
Baillie and Matiti (2019) report that the lesbian and bisexual women are discriminated against
because the healthcare workers do not realize that these women are marginalized and come under
the minority group. When Dr. Roi refused to care for the lesbian couple’s baby, she exemplified
the highest level of discrimination based on sexual orientation without realizing the implications
it would have on the baby. The baby had to be treated by another paediatrician in a short time
and apart from that, the parents had handpicked Dr. Roi for their baby but her refusal put the
baby’s life at risk. According to the General Medical Council ethical guidelines in terms of
personal belief, “all patients must be treated with respect and not be unfairly discriminated
against” (Gmc-uk.org 2019).
The next issue that has been identified is the unequal treatment of the patient based on
sexual orientation. Hayman et al. (2013) observe that such inequality in healthcare service
hampers the overall wellbeing of any nation and there has to be strict repercussions for those
who fail to provide equal treatment. Dahl et al. (2013) further inform that such inequality triggers
or escalates other health problems, most likely mental health problems. The refusal by Dr. Roi
would not only cause deterioration of health for the baby but also make the parents feel
depressed and psychologically stressed. The issue of inequality in the health sector based on
sexual orientation in England is even encouraged by the most prestigious NHS. As per the new
new guidelines of the NHS, health professionals must ask about the sexual orientation of their
patients aged or above 16 years (Bbc.com 2019). According to NHS, doctors and nurses also fall
under the guidance along with the local councils who are responsible for providing social care to