Hospital proudly returns to celebrate Medway Pride

We proudly joined the LGBTQIA+ Medway Pride Parade in Rochester on Saturday 16 August, to show our support for the community.

Seven colleagues took part in the celebrations including members of the hospital’s Executive Team, LGBTQIA+ staff network and other members of staff from across the hospital. By taking part in the parade we aim to show that we are an inclusive and supportive employer, and a safe and respectful healthcare provider to the LGBTQIA+ community. This commitment is reinforced through the NHS Rainbow Badge Scheme. Worn by our staff, the visual symbol identifies the wearer as someone LGBTQIA+ people can talk to about issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity and that they will listen without judgement and signpost to further support if needed.

Music, dancing, and the sound of hundreds of people celebrating filled the streets as community groups, businesses, and organisations lined Rochester High Street to celebrate inclusion, before the parade ended in the beautiful castle gardens, where the celebrations continued.

Alison Davis, Chief Medical Officer at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the hospital, was among those who took part in the parade. She said: “It was wonderful to once again be part of such a vibrant and joyful day. We felt it was important to join the parade to celebrate Medway Pride and show our commitment to our community, where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. I was proud to represent our hospital and colleagues.”