HEPBURN Health is leading the way as the first health organisation in Australia to achieve Rainbow Tick Accreditation.
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This means the needs of all of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people will be met.
Daylesford resident Jules Sappho is a member of the advisory board that helped establish criteria for rainbow tick accreditation.
She hopes the tick will mean no LGBTI people will be exposed to the discrimination in the healthcare system she has endured.
Hepburn Health’s three aged care residences at Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham, along with the Health Services’ Home Care Packages Program, were formally accredited this month by Quality Improvement and Community Services Accreditation (QICSA).
QICSA is Australia’s most comprehensive not-for-profit accreditation organisation, for demonstrating need for inclusive environments for LGBTI people.
Manager of Health Promoting Health Service at Hepburn Health Brian Dunn was part of the working group that guided the health service through the accreditation process.
Mr Dunn hoped the tick was enable more LGBTI Australians to access health services.
Older members of the LGBTI community have been less likely to access health care than hetrosexual Australians, resulting in poorer health outcomes.
Ms Sappho said many older LGBTI people did not have family members and it was important they felt comfortable to introduce partners to health care staff and be open about their sexuality.
“When I see the pride flag stickers on the front door, I feel safe to be open about who I am and my family life,” Ms Sappho said.
She said the ticks would stop LGBTI people from feeling inclined to explain their family unit.
“Having the Rainbow Tick will encourage LGBTI seniors to seek healthcare at Hepburn Health with the confidence that they can be open and honest.
“It will encourage connection – between their loved ones and staff, and perhaps ease the transition into full-time care.”
Ms Sappho became involved in the project through a desire to ensure the health care system was more equitable.
“There have been many people involved in this since the idea was first discussed in 2006,” Ms Sappho said.
Educating staff is key to accreditation.
Ms Sappho and staff at Hepburn Health hope more health facilities will follow Hepburn’s lead and seek accreditation to ensure their services are open to all in the community.
“It’s really exciting we are leading the way,” Ms Sappho said.