Another equality first as NHS Golden Jubilee rolls out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
NHS Golden Jubilee is the latest member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network and the first Scottish NHS Board to introduce it across its entire organisation, including; Golden Jubilee University National Hospital, NHS Scotland Academy, national Centre for Sustainable Delivery, Golden Jubilee Research Institute and Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel.
By implementing the Sunflower at NHS Golden Jubilee, the organisation will be providing extra support to patients, visitors and colleagues in the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital, Eye Centre, Research Institute and Conference Hotel as well as in the NHS Scotland Academy and the national Centre for Sustainable Delivery.
Globally 1 in 7 people live with a disability. But while some of us experience disability that is visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions.
Susan Douglas-Scott CBE, Chair of NHS Golden Jubilee, commented:
“NHS Golden Jubilee has been supporting people with disability for 20 years as employers and as patients, family members, carers and visitors to our site.
We were the first NHS Scotland Board to be accredited as a Disability Confident Leader and are delighted to be the first to introduce the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower across every part of our organisation. Joining the Sunflower network reflects our inclusive culture, where we work hard to ensure everyone feels valued and supported. I'm also a disabled person, so it's with great pride that NHS Golden Jubilee is part of the network.
I have benefited very much during my career from the opportunity to discuss with employers my needs and how important it is to have those needs addressed. We hope this makes visits to or working at NHS Golden Jubilee that little bit easier for all of our disabled patients, visitors and colleagues who have either hidden or visible conditions.”
Mary McAuley, Chair of NHS Golden Jubilee’s staff Ability Network, commented:
“We launched the Ability Network last year to provide a support network for staff and raise awareness of disability and accessibility in the workplace. The Ability Network is delighted that NHS Golden Jubilee has shown its commitment to making our organisation as inclusive as possible by joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.
People with long-term conditions and disabilities can continue to contribute greatly in the workplace. Wearing the Sunflower is a way of discreetly letting our colleagues know that we may need help or support to fulfil our roles to the best of our abilities.”
Paul White, Chief Executive Officer, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower said:
“We are delighted that NHS Golden Jubilee has joined the network and are ensuring that the Sunflower is recognised across the organisation. It is important that the NHS is accessible to all. Their commitment to disability inclusion is clear, and from the top down, that every staff member, patient or visitor with a non-visible disability will be met with an offer of support and understanding.”
Learn more about NHS Golden Jubilee.
Is your organisation a member of the Sunflower network?
Is your place of work Sunflower friendly? If not, why not suggest they look into becoming members of the Sunflower? We provide training and assistance to help businesses recognise the Sunflower to support individuals with non-visible disabilities and become confident in providing them with additional help or assistance.
Join an impressive network of organisations so our Sunflower wearers can find you as they plan their days out:
- add your location to the Sunflower location map
- provide details useful for Sunflower-friendly visits
- demonstrate how accessible you are
- tell your story through articles
- and even reveal your Sunflower-friendly events
Become a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.