Rainbow Badge Initiative Launched at UHL to Promote a Culture of Inclusion

Children’s Ark staff Limerick University Hospital We have launched a new initiative to promote an inclusive culture by wearing HSE rainbow badge.

of rainbow The badge is a simple visual symbol that identifies its wearer as someone who is comfortable talking to LGBTQI+ people about issues related to sexuality and gender identity. It also shows that the wearer is there to listen without judgement and to signpost further support if needed.

Children’s Ark staff who wear this badge show young people in our services that we are open to conversations about sexuality and gender identity.

release of rainbow The badge initiative was highlighted by an event at CERC at University Hospital Limerick. Children’s Ark joins healthcare facilities across the country in participating in this effort.

Professor Clodagh O’Gorman, Consultant General Pediatrician at UHL and Head of the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Limerick, said the initiative was vitally important.

“Young people who identify as LGBTQI+ experience additional emotional and psychological stress compared to young people who do not identify as LGBTQI+. Failure to do so often increases the risk of physical and mental health problems. At Children’s Ark, we provide young people who use our services with a safe and secure environment where they feel comfortable discussing all issues related to sexuality. We want to provide space,” she explained.

Children’s Ark is UL Hospital Group’s first service to join the HSE. rainbow However, it is expected that the badge initiative will be rolled out to services across the group, including Ennis Hospital, in the coming months.

The HSE will provide education and training to all staff who wish to take part in this initiative, and by signing up to wear the badge they will recognize why this project is needed and create an open, tolerant and inclusive environment. We are committed to providing the following.

The aim of this initiative is to proactively break down barriers that LGBTQI+ people may face in accessing healthcare.

In a speech at the launch of rainbow Commenting on the badge initiative at Children’s Ark, Verena Tarpey, CEO of GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health and HIV) said: Visibly knowing that they have an ally in staff who wear badges may make hospital settings less stressful for young people who identify as LGBTQI+. ”

Ms Tarpey said research in Ireland showed that young people who identify as LGBTQI+ face additional stress.

“For example, 75% of LGBTQI+ individuals in Ireland believe that healthcare providers lack knowledge and sensitivity around LGBTQI+ issues. rainbow Badges may help change this perception,” she added.

Dr Dani Hall, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Consultant at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), said: rainbow The CHI badge talked about the positive impact it had there.

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“We surveyed CHI staff about their experiences wearing the HSE. rainbow badge. Reactions have been very positive, both in interactions with other staff and with young people and their families. There is an overwhelming feeling of pride: pride in being part of this initiative, the message the badge sends to her LGBTQI+ staff and patients, and pride in representing the community in the medical field.

“It is also said to be a symbol of safety and inclusivity for patients and their families. But more than that, staff who identify as LGBTQI+ are encouraged to see themselves wearing the badge. and said they feel accepted by other staff. Our next plans include: “We are grateful for the impact the badge has had on young people. It’s just a small step toward filling that gap, but it’s a good start.”