NHS Rainbow Badge

You may have seen some of our staff wearing NHS rainbow badges. The badges are just one way to show that EEAST is an open, non-judgemental and inclusive place for people that identify as LGBT+.

LGBT+ stands for lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender and the + simply means that we are inclusive of all identities, regardless of how people define themselves.

If you see someone wearing a badge, you can ask them about it. The badge is a reminder that you can talk to our staff about who you are and how you feel. They will do their best to get support for you if you need it.

The Rainbow Badge initiative originated at Evelina London Children's Hospital to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion.

A recent Stonewall survey (published November 2018) stated that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) patients face inequalities in their experience of NHS healthcare. The survey estimates that one in five LGBT+ people are not out to any healthcare professional about their sexual orientation when seeking general medical care, and one in seven LGBT+ people have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination.

We believe that people who work in healthcare can play a key role in making things better.

To begin to increase awareness of these issues, and to help improve the experiences of healthcare for LBGT+ patients, our staff wear NHS rainbow badges.

If you want to find out more about the initiative, please email LGBT@eastamb.nhs.uk.