Rainbow Standards Tick Achievement – RPBG: WA Health Excellence Award Finalist

Recently, the Royal Perth Bentley Group inpatient mental health services were named as a finalist in the 2019 WA Health Excellence Awards for their Rainbow Tick Accreditation achievement – recognising their commitment to delivering safe, inclusive recovery-focussed services that are welcoming and supportive of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) consumers and staff.

LGBTI consumers often experience stigma and discrimination which impact health outcomes due to a fear or reluctance to seek help. Significantly, LGBTI people have poorer mental health and higher rates of suicide than other Australians (source Beyond Blue).

Aiming to improve patient outcomes and experiences, a group of committed professionals from Royal Perth Bentley Group (RPBG), supported by Lived Experience representatives (consumer advisory group) from the LGBTI community began working through the Rainbow Tick Quality Improvement Plan standards, to ensure a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for our LGBTI consumers and staff. Key activities included:

• Inpatient mental health areas were developed to provide a safe space where LGBTI inclusivity is clearly indicated.
• The role of the Rainbow Champion was developed – nominated persons with specific training to support consumer needs on admission and be a point of contact for staff who may have queries or concerns.
• Admission processes were updated to ensure we were respectful and welcoming and demonstrating inclusive practice at a potentially high risk time for our consumers.
• Mandatory education and a lecture series that provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to share their journeys and help staff to develop the skills and confidence to respond to our LGBTI consumers’ needs.
• Policies and systems have been designed to support a positive experience for staff and patients that identify as LGBTI.

The activities and endeavours of the Rainbow Champions, the rainbow standard working groups, and all staff supporting the achievement of the Rainbow Tick accreditation – the first public health inpatient service in WA to achieve this – have played a vital role in creating a safe place for LGBTI people in EMHS.