You may have seen some staff at RJAH wearing NHS Rainbow Badges. This is just one way of demonstrating that RJAH offer open, non-judgement and inclusive care for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and the + simply means we are inclusive of all identities, regardless of how people define themselves.
If you see a member of staff wearing a badge, please do ask them about it if you'd like to. The badge is a visual reminder that you can talk to our staff about who you are and how you feel. They will do their best to help and support you.
About the NHS Rainbow Badge
The NHS Rainbow Badge originated at Evelina London Children's Hospital to make a positive difference by promoting the message of inclusion and is now being launched by NHS organisations across the country.
It aims to actively breakdown barriers that LGBTQ+ people may face in the NHS.
A Stonewall Survey published in November 2018 stated that LGBTQ+ patients face inequalities with their experience in the NHS accessing healthcare. The survey estimates that one in five LGBTQ+ people are not out to any healthcare professional about their sexual orientation when seeking general medical care, and one in seven LGBTQ+ people have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination.