BENTLEY Hospital has become one of the first hospitals in WA to be formally recognised for its support and respect towards the LGBTI community.
The hospital’s mental health inpatient services has been awarded the Rainbow Tick accreditation, the third hospital in the country to receive it.
The hospital was recognised for its commitment to ensuring inpatient mental health services were accessible and inclusive for people seeking treatment and providing a welcoming workplace for LGBTI staff.
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READ NOWHealth Minister Roger Cook helped raise a rainbow flag outside the hospital and said it would remain there as an important indicator of inclusivity.
“When accessing mental health services, LGBTI people may experience increased feelings of stigma or discrimination due to a fear of judgement from their health care professional,” he said.
“This accreditation is a first for any public hospital in WA and a credit to the team at East Metropolitan Health Service.”
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Rainbow Tick accreditation aims to help overcome some of the barriers, which prevent LGBTI people seeking support and treatment for mental health, including perceived feelings of discrimination and stigma.
The hospital began work on accreditation in 2016, undertaking an education program and policy and practice review to inform staff of practices which promote LGBTI inclusivity.
As part of that process, a number of staff volunteered as ‘Rainbow Champions’ alongside members of the LGBTI community to support staff during the accreditation process.