Lorne Community Hospital seeks Rainbow Tick

IN AN EFFORT to be more inclusive and welcoming to members of the LGBTI communities, Lorne Community Hospital is moving towards an accreditation process to achieve the Rainbow Tick.

The Rainbow Tick was developed by GLHV (formerly known as Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria), and consists of six standards against which services can be formally accredited to demonstrate LGBTI inclusive practice and service delivery.

Lorne Community Hospital chief executive officer Kate Gillan said the hospital wanted its health service to be a welcoming environment for all members of our community from the moment they stepped through the door.

“Working towards the Rainbow Tick will assist our organisation to be more accessible to people from the LGBTI community, who continue to experience high levels of discrimination.

As part of working towards the Rainbow Tick, LCH staff members have undertaken training with Transgender Victoria, policies and procedures have been reviewed, and strategies are being implemented to make the organisation more inclusive.

“To demonstrate our commitment to LGBTI pride, diversity and inclusion we have convened an LGTBI Steering Group that meets monthly and comprises staff and community members.

“This group organises events and training, reviews hospital documents and discusses ways of making our health service more welcoming.”

LCH staff and nursing home residents also recently celebrated IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia) by wearing rainbow colours and enjoying a brightly coloured rainbow cake.

“Only a handful of organisations have the Rainbow Tick accreditation and we’re pleased to be taking the steps towards achieving this goal, as we strive to be inclusive to all members of our community,” Ms Gillan said.