Rainbow Badges
Rainbow Badges is an initiative that gives us a way to show that Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Sutton Health and Care and Surrey Downs Health and Care offer open, non-judgemental and inclusive care for patients and their families who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, the + simply means that we are inclusive of all identities, regardless of how people define themselves).
The Rainbow Badge initiative originated at Evelina London Children's Hospital to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion.
Sounds good! What do I need to do?
Read all of the information on this page, which will give you an overview of the relevant issues and why it's important for all health, social and community care staff to be aware of them.
If you want to take part, use the form at the bottom of this page to sign up to receive an NHS Rainbow Badge to wear at work.
Why wear a badge?
By choosing to wear a Rainbow Badge, you are sending a message that says: “you can talk to me”. You aren’t expected to have all the answers to people’s issues and concerns but it does mean that you will be a friendly ear, and will know how to signpost people to the support available.
Figures show that LGBTQ+ patients face inequalities in their experience of NHS care, including a recent Stonewall survey (published November 2018) which 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.
Despite the progress made towards LGBTQ+ equality in recent years, many LGBTQ+ people still face significant barriers to leading healthy, happy and fulfilling lives. With high rates of poor mental health and challenges when accessing healthcare services a contributing factor.
We want to disprove attitudes like these...
We are absolutely committed to equality for both staff and patients.
Increased awareness of the issues surrounding LGBTQ+ people when accessing health and community care can make a significant difference to their experience, and in turn, can have a significant impact on their physical and mental health.
Simple visible symbols, such as the Rainbow Badge, can make a big difference for those unsure of both themselves, and of the reception they will receive if they disclose their sexuality and/or gender identity.
For an overview of the challenges people can face in relation to sexuality and gender read Stonewall’s LGBT in Britain Health Report which includes a review of key research.
It’s not just about wearing a badge, there are simple things we can all do to promote inclusion:
- Use inclusive language in all discussions
- Affirm the identity that a person chooses to use (for example, you may want to ask your patients which their preferred pronoun)
- Assure patients that you will protect their confidentiality.
You may be the first person someone has ever felt confident enough to open up to about how they feel. For them, it may be one of the most important moments of their life, and how you respond to them is something they will remember.
What to do if a person discloses to you
The badges aren’t designed as a symbol intended to prompt disclosures of sexual orientation or gender identity, but they may prompt a person to disclose that information to you, perhaps for the first time. Wearing a badge doesn’t mean you’ll have all the answers but most importantly, you should be prepared to listen and signpost people to relevant information.
What to do if you feel you need to escalate a conversation?
Occasionally you may feel that a person’s disclosure means that they need more immediate support, or that they are at risk.
There is always someone to ask for advice and we recommend contacting the LGBTQ+ network (esth.equalitydiversityinclusion@nhs.net) or the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lead at sandra.ovid@nhs.net in the first instance.
Where to signpost people for support
The LGBTQ+ staff network can help signpost to a number of available charities for LGBTQ+ people. The network is newly established, so please email esth.equalitydiversityinclusion@nhs.net in the first instance.
Switchboard LGBT+ helpline (national)
Call 0300 330 0630 or email chris@switchboard.lgbt
Outline (Surrey)
Call 01483 727667 or email info@outlinesurrey.org.uk
Outline information leaflet 2020 [pdf] 783KB
Outline labels flyer 2020 [pdf] 70KB
Outline Volunteering Leaflet 2020 [pdf] 1MB
The Albery Kennedy Trust
The Albert Kennedy Trust provides support for LGBTQ+ people who are homeless or living in a hostile home environment.