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Sussex Health & Care Partnership makes commitment to trans inclusion

July 10, 2021

The Sussex Health & Care Partnership (SHCP), has released a statement in relation to trans inclusion for both staff and patients.

The organisation says: “As the SHCP, we recognise the impact that national policy discussions and media attention around the rights and freedoms of trans, (transgender and non-binary), people will be having on our trans community, patients and staff.

“In 2019, the World Health Organisation, (WHO), publication ICD 11 decategorised gender dysphoria as a mental health condition. Trans people do experience significant mental health problems but this is often as a result of the discrimination and debate surrounding their lives.

“As health and care organisations working across Sussex, we are committed to providing safe, supportive, inclusive working environments, services and support for each and every one of our people, including our trans communities, patients/service users and trans staff, students, trainees and volunteers.  As the extraordinary efforts of health and care staff during Covid-19 have again shown, we are one family.

“We have a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to transphobia and discrimination in our workplaces and services.

“We recognise the inequalities trans people can sometimes experience in accessing some health and care services, and we are working together to create local, accessible services. We also continue to support our LGBT+ Staff Networks, who help us work to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

Gray Hutchins, service development manager at Clare Project, said: “We continue to work alongside local healthcare commissioners to ensure all developments made are informed by the lived experience of our communities. Access to inclusive healthcare is a fundamental stepping stone towards equality in the bigger picture of our experience of every day discrimination, and we are committed to ensuring Sussex paves the way for much-needed progress.”

Adam Doyle, Sussex NHS Commissioners chief executive and SHCP leader, added: “Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that our people are treated with dignity, respect and compassion – whether you are a member of the public or a member of our health and care staff. We can all take steps to becoming a trans ally by educating ourselves; listening to our trans colleagues and patients and avoiding assumptions.”

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