Published on: 16 September 2019
Staff at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust are being invited to show their support for breaking down barriers which people may face within the NHS, by signing a pledge and wearing a Rainbow Badge.
The initiative gives healthcare staff a way to show that they are there to offer open, non-judgmental and inclusive care for all, including those who identify as LGBT+ lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and all other identities, regardless of how people define themselves. Its simple objective is to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion.
Staff can sign up for a badge by completing a pledge of inclusion to show they are aware of the issue and of how to support people. The badge itself is a visual symbol identifying its wearer as someone to whom people can feel comfortable talking. It shows that the wearer is there to listen without judgment and signpost to further support if needed.
Chief Executive, Ken Bremner MBE, who launched the initiative at the Trust by signing the pledge at the Trust’s Annual Members’ Meeting, said: “Our Trust is committed to promoting an environment that is open, tolerant and inclusive so I am delighted to back the Rainbow Badge initiative. This is a way for our staff to demonstrate that they are aware of the issues that LGBT+ people, among others, can face when accessing healthcare.
“By choosing to sign the pledge and by wearing the badge, they are sending a powerful message to colleagues, patients and their families and carers, and visitors that we all have a responsibility to try and address the challenges that people may face in relation to accessing healthcare and negative attitudes.”
To emphasise the Trust’s commitment to supporting inclusion and celebrating diversity, staff will be at Sunderland Pride on Sunday, September 29th. As well as taking part in the parade, they will have a stall where they will gather views about the Trust’s services.
The Rainbow Badge initiative originated at Evelina London Children’s Hospital and community services, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and has been shared widely across the NHS.
