Trust named LGB health leader

A pop-up sexual health clinic in a Vauxhall nightclub is just one of the innovative schemes that saw Guy’s and St Thomas’ named in Stonewall’s Healthcare Equality Index 2014.

The Index identifies organisations that best improve the health of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people. Stonewall, a lobby group that champions LGB interests, launched the 2014 index at Guy’s Hospital on Thursday 13 March.

Guy’s and St Thomas ranked 22nd after being assessed against criteria including patient policy and practice, engagement and communication with gay people, improving the health of gay patients and staff training on gay health needs.

James Taylor, Stonewall Head of Policy, says: “Our groundbreaking research consistently shows many lesbian, gay and bisexual people still experience and expect poor health outcomes and treatment when they use the NHS.

“Every organisation that applied to be included in the Healthcare Equality Index helps tackle health inequalities and deliver a 21st century health service accessible to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.”

Staff from across the NHS discussed healthcare issues affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people, and shared success stories and the challenges they face.

Vicki Kirby, senior sexual health promotion specialist, talked to delegates about outreach work at the Trust including pop-up clinics for men who have sex with men, held at Fire nightclub in Vauxhall.