East Cheshire Hospice has received further approval for its work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (plus) community.
The Hospice has retained its Navajo Charter status, an equality mark supported by LGTBQ+ community networks across Cheshire and Merseyside.
The Hospice partners with two other charities – St Luke’s in Winsford and Hospice of The Good Shepherd in Backford – to ensure end-of-life care is fully inclusive.
They appointed Ellen Coleman as lead focusing on equality, diversity and inclusiveness for staff and volunteers.
East Cheshire has now been re-issued with its Charter mark following a detailed review which showed it successfully met the needs of patients, staff and volunteers.
The Hospice trained five champions to increase staff awareness of barriers to health care.
Sarah Dale BEM, Clinical Director of Quality and Innovation at the Hospice, said: “We were given an action plan two years ago and had to show that we’re an organisation which is invested in making change and ensuring our services are more accessible.
Sarah Dale BEM, Clinical Director of Quality and Innovation at East Cheshire Hospice.
“We needed to show we had a clear equality and diversity strategy which links in with the Hospice aims and objectives.
“Ellen has been pivotal helping us achieve our goals.
“This new endorsement signifies good practice, commitment and a knowledge of the specific needs, issues and barriers facing the LGBTQ+ community.
“One such challenge is use of the right language in an appropriate way.
“Our progress has been recognised and equality, diversity and inclusivity remain at the top of our agenda.”