Promoting the #NHSScotlandPride pledge

Everyone deserves respect and good access to healthcare. And that is something we continuously strive for in NHS Scotland. But LGBT+ and minority ethnic people still face challenges in relation to accessing healthcare – and negative attitudes towards them.  

We want to break down these barriers and promote an NHS Scotland that is inclusive for all.  

That’s why NHS Scotland has created a new ‘Pride Pledge’ that all staff can sign, to show they will promote a message of inclusion, speak up and challenge intolerance.  

To signify that staff have signed up to the Pledge and are aware of the issues facing LGBT+ and minority ethnic people, NHS Scotland has also created an NHS Scotland Pride Badge. They’re not just for people from those groups – the badges are for everyone, identifying wearers as someone who an LGBT+ or minority ethnic person can feel comfortable talking to. NHS Western Isles Interim Chair, Gill McCannon, and Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, have both signed up (pictured with their badges). 

In support, Rev. T.K. Shadakshari, NHS Western Isles Strategic Diversity Lead, said: “NHS Scotland’s Pride Pledge and Badge launched on 14th June. Every NHS Scotland Board now has a designated contact for recording the LGBT Pledge and distributing the LGBT Support Badges called Pride Badge.  

“The Equality Network found that almost every LGBT+ person in Scotland experiences prejudice and discrimination, and a quarter report discriminatory treatment when accessing services. 71% of LGBT+ people will hide their identity when accessing services for fear of prejudice they might face”.  

It is important to emphasise that this is an entirely voluntary scheme, as the wearing of the Badge confers a significant responsibility. It is only after signing the Pledge, with its willingness to be a supportive LGBT ally, that the Badge will be issued to the member of staff by Rev. Shadakshari, local Board Contact.  

When an individual signs up to wear a badge, they acknowledge why the project is needed, and what their responsibility involves including:  

• is aware of and considered the impact of the issues faced by LGBT+ people accessing care;  
• being a safe person to talk/discuss to;  
• someone who is prepared to listen;  
• someone who uses inclusive language; and  
• someone who respects identity.  

In support, Caroline Lamb, Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director General for Health and Social Care, Scottish Government, said: “Racism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and any form of bigotry has no place in our NHS. Our Health system is based on the core values of care, compassion, openness, honesty, dignity and respect for everyone, irrespective of their individual identities. The #NHSScotlandPride Badge re-enforces this message and showcases our commitment to foster an environment that is open, tolerant and inclusive for all. I will proudly wear my badge as an ally to progress, I encourage you to do the same.”  

In support, Colin Macfarlane, Director, Stonewall Scotland & Northern Ireland, said: “We are absolutely delighted to support the launch of the NHS Scotland Pride Badge initiative. At Stonewall Scotland we know that not all LGBTQ+ people experience equitable outcomes when accessing health care services and that’s why we work with partners like NHS Scotland to ensure accessible and high-quality health care for all LGBTQ+ people.  

“Initiatives like the Pride Badge are a simple yet effective way to show visible support for LGBTQ+ people in a health care setting. We know that when all staff and service users, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel included it doesn’t just make a huge difference to individuals – it can improve everybody’s experience.”   For more information, check out this short animation that has been produced on YouTube at: www. youtube.com/watch?v=FRC_23DPIjw

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