Staff at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital are wearing their NHS Rainbow Badges with pride to show support for people who identify as LGBT+.
More than 230 people at the hospital have collected a badge after signing a pledge to celebrate diversity and equality along with ensuring that all services are delivered in a non-judgemental and inclusive way.
Rainbow Badges, which have been introduced to NHS organisations across the country, have been designed to show that the staff member wearing a badge is someone you can talk to about issues of gender identity and sexuality.
The QEH has worked closely with the Unison on the introduction of the badges to the Trust.
Unison LGBT+ Officer Karen Wilson said: “It has been a fantastic response and a great initiative to be part of. This is a start of making everyone feel a greater part of the QEH community.”
One of the people behind the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Pride event is Josh Yates, who is the hospital’s multimedia communications officer, has also been delighted with the response.
He said: “We have had an amazing response to the badges and it has been wonderful to see so many members of staff eagerly picking up their Rainbow Badges and wearing them with pride.
“Creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is important to the Hospital and the people who work here.”
Thousands of people supported the event which took place on 17 August, which included a march and a fun day, and organisers are hoping for similar success at next year’s event on 22 August, 2020.
Chief Operating Officer Denise Smith has been pleased with the staff response to the badges and pledges.
She said: “We are proud to be offering inclusive open and non-judgemental care to all our patients and staff.
“As a Board, we know how committed and passionate our staff are to providing high quality care to patients and the overwhelming response to the Rainbow Badge demonstrates this.”
—ENDS—
Staff from across the QEH are pictured with their Rainbow Badges
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