HSJ has published its first ever celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans healthcare leaders and staff who are working to promote inclusion and lead by example with their day to day work.

The list, which was revealed at an event in London this evening, features 25 people within healthcare who identify as LGBT.
The 25 people on the list were nominated by HSJ readers. A panel of judges selected the most outstanding nominees for the inaugural list, which is supported by the NHS Leadership Academy.

Readers were also invited to take part in a survey examining whether the NHS is as inclusive, accessible and welcoming to the LGBT community as it could be. The survey received over 800 responses.

HSJ LGBT Role Models

Respondents were broadly positive about what their workplaces were achieving in terms of attitudes and support towards the LGBT community. However, many felt there was room for improvement in how the service deals with homophobic, biphobic or transphobic behaviour from colleagues or service users when it occurs.

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan said: “There is a lot for the NHS to be pleased about in our inaugural LGBT Role Models supplement and survey - but also much to give it pause for thought.

“The fact our survey got the biggest response of any HSJ has run speaks volumes about what an important issue this is for many people working within the NHS.

“But there is also, clearly, a long way to go, especially when it comes to supporting and encouraging employees to be ‘out’ and open about their sexuality and, equally importantly, to be seen to be taking seriously reports of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic behaviour or comments from colleagues or patients.

“Through what our survey has found, through identifying and celebrating our 25 role models and through simply highlighting the experiences of the LGBT community in this way, I hope we will generate an important discussion.”

 

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HSJ reveals first ever LGBT Role Models list