Since Wednesday 25 September, members of staff across Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) have been wearing NHS rainbow badges as a way of demonstrating that BFT is an open, non-judgemental and inclusive environment for all identities, no matter how people define themselves.

Wearing the badges, which originated at Evelina London Children's Hospital and have since been adopted at hospitals across the UK, is a way of signalling that people can feel confident in discussing LGBT+ issues with staff, and that they will be signposted to the appropriate support if needed.

The badges have been funded thanks to Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity supporters.

Teresa Sullivan, workforce diversity and inclusion officer at BFT, said: "I'm really pleased that we're able to introduce the scheme at BFT as a visible symbol of our commitment to building a culture of equality and inclusion.

"A crucial part of the scheme is that it requires positive sign-up from staff – committing to read information which gives an overview of the issues and why it’s important for all healthcare staff to be aware of them. They’re more than just a badge; they’re a commitment to our patients and to each other that we are inclusive of all identities."

Amy Barnard-Smith, hospital partnerships manager at Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, said: “Thanks to our generous supporters we have been able to fund these rainbow badges for staff at BFT hospitals.

“It’s great to be able to help staff at the hospitals show their alliance with people who identify as LGBT+ and show BFT as an open and inclusive environment.”

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