Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust (BSUH) is preparing to play a part in all three Pride celebrations in Brighton this summer, championing the diversity of its staff and patients.
“We’re proud to be part of Disability Pride, Trans Pride and the internationally famous Brighton Pride,” said Dr George Findlay, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at BSUH.
“Colleagues throughout the trust have been quick to pledge their support to each of the events and over 100 of our staff will be taking part.
“I’m personally proud to belong to a trust where colleagues have so much care for their local community. We value an open, fair, diverse and inclusive culture, and these events are our opportunities to celebrate that.”
This is the first time that the trust has been involved with Disability Pride. BSUH supported Trans Pride in 2018, and this year will be the third consecutive time that the trust has entered the Brighton Pride Parade.
However, Pride isn’t the only opportunity the trust takes to support its LGBTQ+ staff and patients.
BSUH is already a Stonewall Diversity Champion. In the spring of this year, it announced an ambition to become a Stonewall Top 100 Employer.
Thousands of staff also proudly wear rainbow pins or lanyards. These are subtle symbols of the support, care and understanding they can offer to the LGBTQ+ community.
“The best patient care comes from an environment where everyone is included, and where diversity is celebrated,” concluded George.
“The Pride events are highlights in our calendar, but by no means all that we do. At BSUH, we focus on making staff experience and patient care better all the time. Our commitment to LGBTQ+ equality for all is a significant, ongoing, part of that process.”