National Ambulance LGBT+ Network
Informed Care
We know that LGBT+ people face inequalities in health care; whether that’s having services that are tailored or made available, or by poor past experiences which impact on accessing support.
By the nature of ambulance service work we see people often in a time of absolute distress, or where they might feel there is nowhere else to turn. Imagine this being compounded by a fear of how you will be treated, just because you are a LGBT+ patient.
By working to ensure LGBT+ patients receive excellent care, this work stream will seek to set a standard across all UK ambulance Trust areas so that patients know that they are in a safe space when attended to by us. Additionally, ambulance staff will be empowered to know how best to recognise, support, and signpost LGBT+ patients who might have more specific or complex needs in the prehospital environment.
The ambulance service has changed dramatically over recent years, and we must continue to ensure our approach to care continues to meet the challenges faced by LGBT+ patients and the staff who will care for them.
Dementia Care
The National Ambulance LGBT+ Network has identified that health care services often fail to recognise LGBT+ people and the people surrounding them. Some simple steps can correct this and we have produced a pack outlining some practical advice and showcasing examples of good practice from around the country.
The Purple List
At our second conference the subject of dementia was introduced through the media of a short play. The one-man performance, which lasts around 35 minutes, reveals the progression of dementia through the eyes of one mans partner. This performance has been used as a training and development tool in many health and social care settings and has received a lot of praise.
Check out the website for more information at www.purplelisttheatre.co.uk.
Understanding the B in LGBT+
As we have got more involved in setting up support mechanisms for LGBT+ people in the Ambulance Service, it has become increasingly apparent that there are differing needs for each letter within 'LGBT'.
This pack is our first stage of raising awareness of the issues and 'double discrimination' experienced by bisexual people. Inside this informative resource you will find out the origins of the bisexual flag, how we can provide better support to bisexual people and event debate the meaning of the film Brokeback Mountain.
Many of the issues discussed in this pack are also relevant to patients, so this resource is well worth a read to complete your knowledge of everything 'LGBT+'!
Victims of Sexual Violence
The LGBT Foundation in Manchester have produced a set of resources to help people affected by sexual violence. The aim of the resources are to provide an overview of the basics and help find support. The three resources are for:
These excellent resources are included here with the kind permission of the LGBT Foundation.
Freedom to Speak Up Guardians
An independent review into creating an open and honest reporting culture in the NHS was published in February 2015. The aim of the review was to provide advice and recommendations to ensure that NHS staff feel it is safe to raise concerns, confident that they will be listened to and the concerns will be acted upon.
Ambulance Trusts are committed to developing an open and honest culture, where staff can speak out about concerns regarding unsafe patient care, staff safety and concerns of public interest. The National Ambulance Network of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians is working to ensure all ambulance staff feel confident that their concerns are welcomed, taken seriously, investigated and responded to quickly.
More information about Freedom to Speak Up can be found here: http://www.cqc.org.uk/national-guardians-office/content/national-guardians-office
Every NHS Ambulance Trust has a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian who is responsible for giving staff a voice and helping to ensure support mechanisms are in place. This includes supporting LGBT+ colleagues and Guardians can connect you with all the options available.
Drug Addiction
Substance use disorders affect 20 to 30 percent of the LGBT+ population, compared to 8.4 percent of the general population, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. These alarming numbers stress a need for more substance use recovery programs that cater to LGBT+ individuals.
An organisation based in Florida, Advanced Recovery Systems, has developed a comprehensive website (DrugRehab.com) which is also includes information for the LGBT+ community. You can find information, guidance and resources by clicking here.
We are grateful to staff at DrugRehab.com who have made contact with us and for giving us permission to include links to their resources on our website.
Please note that the treatment options described on the site are based in America. If you are looking for help for yourself or someone else, we encourage you to look at the information below.
Information about drug addiction and getting help in the UK can be found on the NHS website at:
www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/
The FRANK website also contains a wealth of information including a link to local support services.
FRANK also provides a telephone helpline which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The number is 0300 123 6600.