Hospital Support for LGBTQ+ community for Pride Month

Wirral hospital signals support for LGBTQ+ community for Pride Month

Staff at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) showed their support as the Progress Pride flag was raised above Arrowe Park Hospital as part of Pride Month.

Flying the flag marks WUTH’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Wirral and across the Trust.

The event was attended by Chief Nurse Sam Westwell and was held to recognise the importance of inclusion and equality throughout the organisation.

Tracey Nolan, Freedom to Speak Up and Staff Experience Lead at WUTH, said: “We want patients and staff to feel confident in speaking up about their sexuality and identity, and to support each other.

“The flag, together with rainbow badges and lanyards worn by our staff, are a visual representation of our supportive culture. They are an important signal to others that we want them to be open and proud about their authentic selves. For our patients, feeling safe to share their identity helps us provide a better level of personalised, compassionate care."

The Progress Pride flag incorporates additional stripes to represent marginalised LGBTQ+ communities of colour, trans, and those affected by HIV/AIDS, reinforcing WUTH’s message of solidarity.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at WUTH, added: "Raising the Progress Pride flag is a visible commitment to ensuring every person who walks through our doors feels seen, respected and supported. We are proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ staff and patients, and we remain dedicated to making WUTH an inclusive place for all."

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Photo 1. Sam Westwell, Chief Nurse at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) and WUTH staff at the flag raising event in support of Pride Month.

Photo 2. The Progress Pride flag flying at Arrowe Park Hospital.