An LGBTQ+ Patient and Carer Forum could be set up across NHS Trusts in Walsall and Wolverhampton to help shape more inclusive services.
Patients, families and carers are being asked to take part in a survey being run by Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trusts’ Patient Experience Team.
It has been launched during this LGBTQ+ History Month which is celebrating the theme of science and innovation — recognising how data, evidence and research help drive progress and transform the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in health and care.
Garry Perry, Associate Director Patient Voice (Experience), said: “Across our Trusts in Walsall and Wolverhampton we want to ensure our services reflect the voices, needs and lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ communities we serve.
“We are considering setting up an LGBTQ+ Patient and Carer Forum which we think would be an effective way of:
- Listening to and learning from LGBTQ+ patients, carers and families
- Shaping more inclusive services and environments
- Co‑designing improvements, using evidence and lived experience
- Ensuring equality, dignity and respect for everyone accessing our services
“But we need to hear from people to find out whether this would be welcomed, or there are more effective ways of gaining their all-important insight.
“Ultimately, we want to drive positive, lasting change.”
The short survey LGBTQ+ Voices in Health: Experience & Engagement Survey will take just a few minutes to complete and closes on 8 March.