NHS in Bolton have launched a rainbow badge survey to help LGBT+ people access healthcare.

Patients, service users and families are being invited to share their experiences in a short survey to understand how inclusive healthcare services are for LGBT+ communities at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.

The anonymous two-minute questionnaire forms a vital part of the NHS Rainbow Badge scheme, which allows NHS Trusts to demonstrate their commitment to reducing barriers to healthcare for LGBT people and showcase work that has already taken place.

The Rainbow Badge initiative will also see a survey sent to staff at the Trust and a review carried out of policies, services and workforce.

Imran Khan, Urgent Care Lead and Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “If you attended an appointment or accessed any of our hospital or community services we’re really keen to hear about your experiences and awareness of LGBT+ inclusivity, regardless of how you identify.

“Your feedback will play an important part in helping us to understand what we’re already doing well, but more importantly where you believe we can improve to become even more inclusive for all our patients.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and breaking down barriers for our LGBT+ communities.

“We look forward to using the results of our assessment to make meaningful change and shape our healthcare plans for the future.”

Jake Mairs, Associate Director for Organisational Development at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “We want Bolton to be a place where everyone feels they belong, from our colleagues when they arrive at work, to our patients who use our services, to our community partners who want to work more closely with us.

“Great progress has already been made with the introduction of new initiatives and our LGBTQ+ Staff Network, but we want to use the scheme to sharpen our focus and go even further to celebrate inclusion and diversity and ensure that our healthcare services are accessible to everyone who lives in Bolton.”

The patient survey will ask service users about LGBT+ information they may have seen, facilities and the inclusive language and behaviour of staff.

You can complete the survey online.