NHS rainbow badges help Nottingham's hospitals promote inclusion
Staff at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) have been signing up to wear a NHS rainbow badge to show their support for all who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all other identities (LGBT+).
A survey published by Stonewall in 2018 found that LGBT+ people have often faced inequalities when accessing healthcare, stating that:
- One in five LGBT+ people have never disclosed their sexual orientation to a healthcare professional
- One in seven LGBT+ people have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination
The rainbow badge is a way for NUH staff to show that they are aware of the issues that LGBT+ people can face when accessing healthcare. It is a simple visual symbol that identifies its wearer as someone who an LGBT+ person can feel comfortable talking to about issues relating to sexuality or gender identity. It shows that the wearer is there to listen without judgement and signpost to further support if needed.
The rainbow badge is also a powerful way of showing support for LGBT+ colleagues working across the Trust and aims to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion.
The rainbow badge project has received overwhelming support across the Trust with over 1000 badges now in circulation and more members of Team NUH signing up to receive theirs every day.
Chief Executive Tracy Taylor said: “I’m delighted that Team NUH is supporting the rainbow badge initiative. I’ll be wearing the badge with pride to support LGBT+ colleagues and patients at Team NUH and to emphasise the importance and celebrate all of the positives that diversity across our organisation brings to patient and staff experience.”
“Being ‘Mindful’ is one of our values and this includes valuing everyone’s contribution, and taking pride in our inclusivity and diversity. The rainbow badge is a way of showing our commitment to this across the Trust, and to our patients and staff.”
The rainbow badge initiative was first introduced by staff at Evelina London Children’s Hospital and has gone on to roll out across various NHS organisations across the country.
The team behind the rainbow badge at NUH will be appearing at Nottinghamshire Pride, on 27 July 2019 to celebrate the success of the project.