Pride Month at Galway University Hospitals

Galway University Hospitals is marking the start of Pride month with an information stand in the main foyer of UHG on Friday 03 June from 1-2pm and will be welcoming Maria Walsh, MEP to launch the event at 2pm. The event will highlight a month of educational talks for staff focused on inclusion and diversity for both LGBT+ patients and staff. Members of the public attending the hospital for appointments on the day are also welcome.

Download Pride month schedule of talks, training and networking events 

Orla Sheil, Occupational Therapist at the hospital and a member of the Hospitals’ Pride working group said, “Pride month is an opportunity to increase awareness of healthcare issues and to educate staff to services available to LGBT+ patients. While there has been significant progress in Ireland to reduce discrimination against the LGBT+ community, more work needs to be done. Pride month is a time to both celebrate LGBT+ diversity and educate healthcare workers.

“Many people in Ireland are still feel afraid to disclose their sexual or gender identity. During the month of June we will be distributing rainbow lanyards to staff to use to wear with their work ID badges. By choosing to wear the rainbow lanyard, staff can show that Galway University Hospitals offers non-judgmental and inclusive care for all who identity as LGBT+.

“Research has shown healthcare staff wearing a rainbow lanyard helps to actively break down barriers that LGBT+ people may face while accessing healthcare or while at work. In Ireland 75% of LGBT+ people feel that healthcare providers lack knowledge and sensitivity to LGBT+ issues with almost 50% seeking LGBT+ friendly clinicians because of negative experiences. This is something we aim to improve.

“During June we will also encourage staff to complete the HSE’s online educational course ‘LGBT+ awareness and inclusions – the basics’. The positive impact of enhancing staff education and wearing a rainbow lanyard should not be underestimated.”

One mother who recently attend the Emergency Department with her son said, “I must say it was so lovely to see the doctor wear a rainbow lanyard. Visibility matters. As a concerned parent it felt reassuring that I didn’t feel like I had to worry about our family status being questioned.”

For more information on LGBT+ sexual identity and orientation, including supports, go to hse.ie -

https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/lgbti-sexual-identity-and-or...

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