E S N E F T LGBTQ Network

26/06/2024

Well the hot weather has arrived just in time. We hope you are all having a great PRIDE month.

17/06/2024

Well, we are well into PRIDE month, and hopefully everyone has enjoyed the celebrations. To help celebrate the Network has asked people to share their stories of what PRIDE means to them, and what has been and can be done to aid LGBTQ+ patients and staff, so we're going to share our own David Haggerty's story. Let us know what you think on the questions, and if you want to share your story.

14/06/2024

10/06/2024

Hello, my pronouns are... New badges launched by our LGBTQ+ Network

A simple and effective way to encourage use of gender-neutral language and support gender identities.

Our LGBTQ+ Network is launching new pronoun badges to support inclusion and visibility across the Trust.

The introduction of the badges, which coincides with Pride Month, aims to support colleagues and departments in our hospitals and the community with the use of gender neutral and inclusive language.

David Haggerty is Deputy Chair of the ESNEFT LGBTQ+ Network. He said: “The use of gender neutral and inclusive language by healthcare professionals is important, not just for those who identify as trans or non-binary, but also for people with a variation in s*x characteristics/inters*x (I/VSC). “

The use of such language helps to educate staff and patients alike about the diversity of gender and physical s*x characteristics.

“The act of wearing a pronoun pin badge is completely voluntary. While pronouns should always be respected and adhered to, the degree to which you share your own is completely down to personal choice.”

The network has worked with the team at The Outhouse Colchester to redesign the Trust’s pronoun badges. They are also sharing a bite sized beginners guide to pronouns (attached) to help staff, which can be displayed in offices and staff rooms.

The pronoun badges available to colleagues are:
• he/him
• she/her
• they/them
• he/they, and
• she/they


They are free to any colleague – whether they are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally – who wishes to wear one.

Where can you get a badge?
You can collect a pronoun badge and copies of the new pronouns poster from the library at Colchester Hospital (Villa 8) from Monday 10 June and Ipswich Hospital (Education Centre) from Tuesday 11 June. Both libraries are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Alternatively, if you’re off site or working in the community, get in touch with the LGBTQ+ Network at [email protected] to get hold of a badge and posters.

You can watch a short video for more information on gender identity and pronouns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Fh60GEB5E

Kind regards

The ESNEFT LGBTQ+ Network

17/04/2024

Well yesterday at Ipswich Hospital saw another great turnout for one of our LGBTQIA+ half day Awareness Sessions. Nearly 40 members of staff turned out for a superb session, and we would like to thank all those that attended, and shared their stories and experiences, helping to bring the community even further together. We hope that it was a positive experience for all.
If you would like to attend one of the sessions, our next sessions are in June, and Staff can check out the sessional dates for 2024 via our dedicated intranet page. Get in soon, as they can be booked up quickly.

29/02/2024

Well today sees the end of Medical themed History month, with possibly the most media recognised of our icons.

Oliver Wolf Sacks

Oliver Sacks was a British neurologist, naturalist, historian of science, and writer who received his medical degree in 1958 from The Queen's College, Oxford, before moving to the United States, where he spent most of his career.

He served as neurologist at Beth Abraham Hospital's chronic-care facility, where he worked with a group of survivors of the 1920s sleeping sickness encephalitis lethargica, who had been unable to move on their own for decades. His treatment of those patients became the basis of his 1973 book Awakenings, which was later adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film in 1990, starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro.

His numerous other best-selling books were mostly collections of case studies of people, including himself, with neurological disorders. He also published hundreds of articles (both peer-reviewed scientific articles and articles for a general audience), about neurological disorders, history of science, natural history, and nature. The New York Times called him a "poet laureate of contemporary medicine", and "one of the great clinical writers of the 20th century". His books were adapted for plays by major playwrights, feature films, animated short films, opera, dance, fine art, and musical works in the classical genre. His book The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, which describes the case histories of some of his patients, became the basis of an opera of the same name.

During adolescence he shared an intense interest in biology and later came to share his parents' enthusiasm for medicine (his father was a doctor, and his mother one of the first female surgeons in England). As a medical student, he took courses in medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, paediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, dermatology, infectious diseases, obstetrics, and various other disciplines.

After moving to New York City, an amphetamine-facilitated epiphany that came as he read a book by the 19th-century migraine doctor Edward Living, inspired him to chronicle his observations on neurological diseases and oddities; to become the "Liveing of our Time".

Sacks, by his death in 2015, was not only a noted scientist, historian and author, but had spent most of his years living alone, until in later life he developed a relationship with New York Times contributor Bill Hayes. Described as a true eccentric, an avid powerlifter, and publicly well known for open water swimming around the City Island section of the Bronx. His legacy is that he inspired so many to study neurology.

23/02/2024

Here is the next of our medical role models. A surgeon who helped revolutionise care of wounded soldiers, and spread care beyond borders and people.

James Barry (c1789 – 25 July 1865)

James Barry, born Margaret Anne Bulkley, was a military surgeon in the British Army. Born in Cork, Ireland, Barry gained a medical degree from the University of Edinburgh Medical School and raised through the ranks of the Army to Inspector General in charge of military hospitals. The second highest rank in the medical service of the Army. Improving both the quality of provisions to wounded servicemen, but also locals in the regions of the British Empire in which he served. Most notably being the first European to carry out a caesarean delivery in Africa in which both mother and child survived.

Although Barry was known as female in childhood (until 15 years of age). Barry lived as a man in both public and private life, as a student, and a surgeon, with his anatomy only coming to public notice after a post-mortem, although Barry’s transition was known to several influential close friends of the family, that allowed him to apply for Edinburgh University Medical School, and later the Army, living 56 years as James Barry

16/02/2024

Apologies for this week's post being a bit later than anticipated. Firewalls got in the way! But here is number 3 of our Medical LGBTQ+ role-models.

Gabriel Jose Martin is a Spanish gay and inters*x psychologist, writer and activist. At birth he was assigned a female s*x, was named Patricia and raised as a girl until adolescence, at which point he started to develop hair and beard due to internal testicles. At the age of 18, doctors determined that Gabriel was born with inters*x genitalia, and that he actually had hypospadias.

Gabriel graduated in psychology, and devoted to the problems of homos*xual men, and trained as a volunteer and activist in the Gay-Lesbian Management of Catalonia. He is an expert in gay affirmative psychology, which helps other gay men overcome their internalised homophobia, or to be able to come out in their environment.

In addition to advising homos*xual men, he is a representative of the Spanish Council of Psychology in the LGTB office of the American Psychological Association (APA). He is also president of the LGTB Affirma't association, coordinator of the LGTB Affirmative Psychology working group of the Col•legi Oficial de Psicologia de Catalunya and collaborates with several media channels.

05/02/2024

Edith A. Pérez is a Puerto Rican haematologist-oncologist, who has spent 2 decades at the Mayo Clinic, eventually serving as Director of the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Translational Genomics Program and Supplemental Consultant in the Department of Haematology/Oncology and Cancer Biology.

But not only has Dr Perez been instrumental in Cancer research, she has also been supportive in battling the social impact of Breast Cancer, being a co-founder of the 26.2 National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer (breastcancermarathon.com), with goals to raise funds for underserved women and genomics/immunologic translational cancer research. She not only co-founded the race, but she also runs it every year., with the race proceeds helping thousands of families impacted by Breast Cancer

01/02/2024

It seems that each year that passes, the LGBTQ+ community gets stronger, wider, and more influential. But at this time in the world where 780 million people live in countries where same-s*x relationships are legal, 2.8 billion people still live in countries where consensual same-s*x acts are a crime, Trans right are repressed because of religion or pseudo science, and medical rights and access is denied, we still find role models and advocates that bring greater understanding and developments in the field of healthcare.

As part of our LGBTQ History Month celebration, we are bringing you a few individuals that have contributed to the leaps forward in treatment and understanding of key healthcare issues.

David J. Malebranche is an internal medicine physician, researcher, and public health advocate who specialises in prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, and identifies as Same-Gender Loving, and has worked particularly in the field of public health in the LGBTQ+ community.

Malebranche has published articles in medical and public health journals on the topic of HIV in the Black community in America, an area of expertise which he has discussed in the media, including contributing an essay to Family Affair: What It Means To Be African American Today, In 2015, he published Standing on His Shoulders, a memoir about life lessons he learned from his father, an Haitian surgeon who moved to the US in the 60's.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Malebranche

04/12/2023

Well, we have hit December. We can officially hit the chocolates in the advent calendars, and count down to a few bank holiday days.

We have some news on the local front. A new book has been released "Suffolk Pride - We Are The One In Five Anthology" which is available through Waterstones online, and on local (Suffolk) bookshops, which we will acquire a copy of for the ESNEFT library.

We also have some dates for 2024, for our next Awareness Sessions. But with that we'll send out a fully detailed post later.

Have a great week everyone.

06/11/2023

Well, it looks like there are some new posters popped up around the ESNEFT sites. They are not just for decoration, there is real meaning behind them.

Cardiac rehab nurse specialist Suzanne Giordano, who works in the community in north east Ess*x, said: "Working in the community we are keen to share the message that ESNEFT is a safe place for everyone."

Nicki (left) and Sue are from the nutrition and dietetics team in Ipswich. Nicki said: "It is important that we make everybody feel comfortable in our hospitals and out in the community."

Deputy sister at Colchester Hospital, Janise Dimatulac, said: "I am happy to support ESNEFT's Safe Space campaign."

ESNEFT volunteer Derek Putnam, said: "I am happy to help when you come to ESNEFT and everybody is welcome here."

Deputy head of transformation, Bobby Jones, said: "Everyone has the right to feel safe in our Trust."

Chief Executive Nick Hulme, said: ESNEFT is committed to being a safe space for all our patients, staff, volunteers and visitors."

31/07/2023

Attention all staff Network members. Check your emails, as you can now vote for our next Chair.

27/07/2023

As you pass through the ESNEFT corridors and waiting rooms, please take a minute to look out for the newly placed Safe Space posters. Safe Space means what it says. We as a Trust want to create an atmosphere where everyone can be safe as themselves. We hope that a positive environment evolves for all patients and staff, and an ESNEFT experience becomes easier for all.

11/07/2023

Hello,
The ESNEFT LGBTQ+ Friends Network was launched in 2018 and have been proud to have forged many legacy projects during this time, with many more planned for the future. It is vital to us that our efforts are always meaningful and responsive to local needs.
Our network executive consists of 6 volunteer staff members who work collaboratively to allow the Network to achieve its goals across ESNEFT.

As you might have seen from Coms, we are currently looking for a new Chairperson to join our dynamic team and complete our full executive structure. We welcome anybody with a passion for LGBTQIA+ to apply and to be reassured that our Network is very much a collective team effort.

We want to hear from colleagues with a strong interest in supporting the Network to continue to influence change. Please consider this exciting opportunity, share it to your colleagues and if you have any questions, then please contact us where we would be happy to assist.

To submit your EOI, please follow this link: https://forms.office.com/e/rFEsibrpPD

Kind regards
David, Wyn, Jamie, Robyn & Grace

The LGBTQ+ Friends Network is seeking for a new Chair & we would love to hear from you! Please complete this form below before the 24th July for the chance to become one of our shortlisted candidates.  All shortlisted candidates will then have their statements made public for LGBTQ+ Friends...

30/06/2023

Well, it has been a busy old month. Pride. Awareness sessions with The OutHouse. New LGBTQ+ banner. Work on Safe Space. So it may be time to take a break and visit the Trusts Libraries, grab a book, and relax a bit. And a big thank you to the Libraries team for compiling the collection available. 😀

28/06/2023

Yesterday saw the second of our ESNEFT half day LGBTQIA awareness sessions in conjunction with the amazing The Outhouse. Tracy was her usual superb self, with these sessions providing safe spaces for discussions and education.

To date, the network has been able to provide a total opportunity for 250 face to face staff interactions!

Awareness is vital. Thank you to all the ESNEFT staff who have been in touch. And watch this space….more in the pipeline.

On the flip side of the coin from Staff, we are also looking for feedback from Patients. We recently had a staff survey, but now we are looking for Patients experiences of ESNEFT via the below anonymous link, to help us improve the ESNEFT experience.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/L7Z1FW/

26/06/2023

Well this week sees the end of Pride, but it also sees 2 training sessions today in Ipswich, and tomorrow in Colchester, with the wonderful peeps from Outhouse. We hope the temperature hasn't done horrible things to you. And that the flags keep waving.

21/06/2023

As it is Pride month, we have done a bit of updating to the Network's image. Our banner has expanded a wee bit. We felt that was room for an update, so here it is.

15/06/2023

At ESNEFT we are committed to reducing barriers to healthcare for LGBTQIA+ communities and we are calling on our colleagues to let us know how we can improve it further.

A survey of both staff and patients is under way as part of the NHS Rainbow Badge Programme. The programme provides basic education and support to staff to make sure our Trust and its services are inclusive and safe for LGBTQIA+ patients and colleagues.

There are a number of topics included in the survey which will help us understand how comfortable people feel about discussing LGBTQIA+ topics with both patients and colleagues and also whether more training and support is required. It is aimed at all staff, both patient facing and non-patient facing.

The information gained will help us identify and celebrate the work that is already being done, while also understanding what steps need to be taken to further improve staff experience.

The survey will allow our Trust to be assessed and accredited and to be given a graded award (bronze, silver or gold) based on our current levels of inclusion. In addition, we will receive comprehensive feedback and an action plan to help us make meaningful change for our patients.

Rainbow Badge was created to be a way for NHS staff to demonstrate that they are aware of the issues that LGBTQIA+ people can face when accessing healthcare and emphasised that wearing a badge is a responsibility”.

As a network we are really keen to obtain as much information as possible to help continue generating meaningful change. The best way to allow us to do this is via feedback. Please do take the time to complete this quick confidential survey to allow the NHS Rainbow Scheme to compile their report to then feedback this analysis into our organisation.

Please click on the link below to access the online survey. It only takes 10 mins to complete.

read more about it and take part in the survey

https://esneft.org.uk/6PWZ-SFLN-4Z7A65-KVHDR-1/c.aspx

If you have any questions, then please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your continued assistance with this NHS Rainbow Badge Programme initiative.

Kind regards

The ESNEFT LGBTQ+ Network

01/06/2023

If you look up when you enter or leave either hospital, we're there! 🌈😎

28/04/2023

We have some good news for June. We have 2 Awareness Sessions arranged.

On 26th @ Ipswich Hospital from 2pm to 6pm in the Education Centre Lecture hall, and the 27th @ CGH from 9am to 1.30pm in room 1 of Training Room South we will be hosting 2 more in demand sessions with The Outhouse.

All staff are welcomed. Attendance CPD certificates will be provided by The Outhouse.

To reserve your space, email us at [email protected]

30/10/2022

Our deputy chair David was invited to speak at The OutHouse AGM this week. David spoke about our collaborative efforts, highlighting that we are a community working together, not just an employers network. We care about staff, patients, and the community as a whole. And sharing communication is key to support and strength within the community, and improving everyone's ESNEFT experience. So a big thanks to all at Outhouse for the invite.

29/09/2022

David has taken the LGBT Network stall out for another airing and photo opportunity. 😂
The ESNEFT AHP Conference, being the platform to spread the message of the work the Network does on behalf of staff and patients.

19/08/2022

A big thank you to David and Oscar for braving the heatwave, and flying the ESNEFT flag at Colchester PRIDE. and thank you to every one that rocked up and showed support. We hope you all had a great day. :)
J

13/08/2022

Smiling faces everywhere. ☺️

13/08/2022

All set up in the sun, ready for a great day. Drop by and say hi to Oscar and David. 😎

12/08/2022

The weekend is almost here, and with it Colchester PRIDE. Everyone have fun, stay hydrated, and grab a photo with David on the ESNEFT LGBT+ Network stall (he's not photogenic at all! Honest!!! 😂🤣😂)

04/08/2022

We are getting closer to Colchester PRIDE, Saturday 13th August, from 11:00 to 19:00 at the Firstsite Centre, will see this year's event. The ESNEFT LGBT+ Network will be there with a smile, joining in the celebration, So feel free to say hi.

21/06/2022

Today saw The Outhouse present our Awareness session in Ipswich. A great day in front of a full house.