CONTINUOUSLY improving inclusion in Victorian Health Services relies on staff sharing a positive commitment towards building a workplace where everyone feels welcome to belong. Every year, on 17 May, South Gippsland Hospital (SGH) is dedicated to going ‘rainbow’ to celebrate and acknowledge the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This year SGH was excited to partner with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Foster Medical Centre, Prom Country Aged Care and Manna Gum Community House members to stand together against LGBTQIA+ discrimination.
In a well-attended Pride Walk through the Foster Health Precinct, staff and volunteers, as well as some of the participants of the SGH Day Respite Service, demonstrated their support in a colourful parade to signal to the community the importance of building a world where everyone is safe to be themselves.
This was then followed by a morning tea where the SGH Director of Community Care Samantha Park spoke about the ongoing need to address discrimination.
“Recent studies demonstrate 66% of LGBTQIA+ young people experience harassment and 33% of Australian adults have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months, just for being who they are. SGH is proud to have a Diversity and Inclusion plan and to be contributing towards a regional Diversity and Inclusion framework to embed systematic changes to improve LGBTQIA+ inclusion for the Corner Inlet community.”
“There is still work to be done and I encourage individuals to take action wherever possible, not just on IDAHOBIT day”.
The overall message of the day “we aim and commit to be at the forefront of creating a brighter tomorrow” was felt by all in attendance.
– Paul Greenhalgh CEO
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