LGBT+ group launches
31 January 2019
Southend University Hospital’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Plus group (LGBT+) held their official launch day on Monday 21 January.
The event was attended by representatives from across the
hospital's diverse workforce and the day covered a range of
topics including HIV awareness, unconscious bias and freedom to
speak up guardians.
The LGBT+ group aims to build a comprehensive support system for
staff at Southend through a strong, comfortable and trusting group
that makes a real difference. They also aim to educate managers and
staff on LGBT+ issues and how to support their colleagues and
patients. The group will look to build links with similar groups in
the wider community and help develop policies and guidelines that
address and advise.
Louise McIver, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager,
said: "For those of us who are not part of the
LGBT+ community, it's our role to listen and learn from our
colleagues' experiences. It's our responsibility to recognise our
bias, understand our privilege, and change our behaviour
accordingly".
The LGBT+ group is for everyone - any member of staff could be
working alongside colleagues who identify as LGBT+ and not be aware
that they might be in a position to improve their colleagues'
working environment.
Denise Townsend, Director of Nursing, added: "The event was
fantastic and a lot of thought and effort went into the planning
and running of the day. I gained plenty of insight from the
sessions that I attended and I'm sure many others will too."