Sheffield Children's Hospital joins NHS Rainbow Badge scheme to offer LGBT+ inclusive care

Sheffield Children’s NHS Trust has officially launched its rainbow badge scheme as one way young people and families can be reassured that the organisation is an open, non-judgemental and inclusive place for people who identify as LGBT+. Staff were joined by Lord Mayor Tony Downing and supporters of the scheme to mark the occasion.

The NHS rainbow badge acts as indicator that the wearer believes they are a safe person to speak to about issues surrounding sexuality and gender identity.

More than 40 per cent of Sheffield Children’s Hospital staff have elected to take a badge at launch – and more are being encouraged to sign up for the scheme as an opportunity to send a positive message.

Ruth Brown, SCH NHS Trust deputy chief executive, said: “The rainbow badge scheme is a great opportunity for patients being cared for at our trust to know that staff are aware of issues LGBT+ people can face when accessing healthcare.

Dr Ronx Ikharia, a LGBTI+ campaigner, Emergency medicine doctor and BBC presenter, shows off the rainbow badges which are worn by NHS staff.

“We are always working to make sure our environment is somewhere young people and their families feel listened to and comfortable to talk about the issues affecting them.

“Wearing the badge is one of the steps we’re taking to make sure Sheffield Children’s is an open, non-judgemental place.”

Before donning the badge, staff complete an online learning programme covering the challenges LGBT+ young people face and the local and national resources available to support them.

According to a 2017 report from the campaign charity Stonewall, just 40 per cent of LGBT+ young people have an adult at home they can talk to about being LGBT+.

Dr Ronx helped raise a Rainbow Theo flag to fly proudly over the Becton Centre.

The report said: “Openly LGBT+ role models and allies play a crucial role in supporting LGBT+ young people to be themselves.”

Sheffield’s LGBT+ youth charity SAYiT is supporting the trust with the scheme.

A spokesman said: “LGBT+ people still experience significant health inequalities, so we are delighted Sheffield Children’s is taking positive action to address them with this project.

“People attending SAYiT’s youth groups tell us they often feel they will be judged when they access healthcare, or do not feel they can be open about who they are. We want them to be respected and allowed to be their true selves wherever they go.”

“On behalf of SAYiT and our young people, I thank every single badge wearer for making this vision more possible.”