HEALTH chiefs have relaunched the ‘rainbow badge’ scheme to mark Pride in the NHS week.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, the main provider of mental health services across both county’s and community services in Worcestershire has relaunched the scheme, reaffirming its commitment to providing non-judgmental and inclusive support and care for all.
The NHS Rainbow Badge, which was started by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London in partnership with Evelina London Children’s Hospital, is a symbol of the NHS commitment to promoting inclusivity and reducing inequalities.
The pin badge includes the iconic NHS lozenge on the rainbow flag, which can be worn on NHS staff lanyards or on uniforms.
Its colours reflect both the immense diversity and the unity of the LGBT+ community.
Each member of staff that wears one is required to sign a pledge demonstrating their commitment to providing support and signposting to LGBT+ people, and open, non-judgmental care.
Sammie Boatema-Cook, Equality, the Trust’s diversity and inclusion lead said, “The rainbow badge is a powerful way of demonstrating our commitment to being inclusive and celebrating diversity across our Trust, not only to our patients but to our colleagues as well.
A survey performed by an LGBT+ charity estimated one in five LGBT + people do not share their sexual orientation when seeking general medical care.
It also found one in seven avoided treatment for fear of discrimination.
