On Thursday 18 July, we celebrated ‘MCH Pride’. Staff signed up to the Rainbow Charter and received a Rainbow Badge as a way to show that MCH offers open, non-judgemental and inclusive care for patients and their families, who identify as LGBT+.

Additionally, staff celebrated by decorating offices with rainbow bunting, wearing rainbow clothing and accessories, and making donations to Stonewall, a charity that campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people across Britain.

The Rainbow Badge initiative originated at Evelina London Children's Hospital to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion. The Badges aren’t designed as a symbol intended to prompt disclosures, but they may prompt a person to disclose information about their own sexuality or gender identity, perhaps for the first time.

Kim Reynolds, MCH’s Assistant Director of Human Resources, said: “We were pleased to see so many of our staff sign up to the Charter and wear their Rainbow Badges with pride. The day was a great way to highlight the support and inclusion our staff show towards our community and patients.

We want this to continue past this one day, with the Charter remaining open, and staff encouraged to sign up and to continue to be open, fair and compassionate to all.”