Armley Medical Practice has become the first GP surgery in Leeds to be awarded a gold award under a national pilot that brings the ‘Pride in Practice’ programme to the city.
The scheme aims to strengthen GP practices’ relationship with their lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) patients.
Originally launched by LGBT Foundation in Manchester in 2012, Pride in Practice is a quality assurance and social prescribing programme, which includes training, accreditation and account management support designed for primary care services, including GP practices and pharmacies.
Pride in Practice works with clinicians, managers and staff to better meet the needs of LGBT patients and empowers LGBT community members to work with health professionals and find shared solutions to barriers, ensuring patient voice and lived experience is at the centre of the programme.
The programme package includes myth-busting training, support to deliver effective active signposting and social prescribing for LGBT communities, and ongoing support.
Armley Medical Practice manager Linda Thompson said:
“Taking part in Pride in Practice has been a really worthwhile experience for all our staff that will make a positive difference to our patients. We’ve all learned a great deal and I would encourage any practice that has not taken part to do so.”
Minister for Equalities, Baroness Williams, said:
“It is vital that LGBT people are able to access appropriate healthcare and are treated with respect. I would like to congratulate Armley Medical Practice on achieving the Gold Award for the Pride in Practice programme, showing a real commitment to ensuring they serve LGBT people in a supportive and respectful manner.”
Councillor Hannah Bithell (Lab, Kirkstall), Leeds City Council LGBT+ champion, said:
“I am proud to have worked with the LGBT Foundation on this incredible initiative, it’s an important step forward for all LGBT+ people in Leeds.
“We want to make sure all LGBT+ people can have open and honest conversations with health professionals, so they can understand their individual needs and give them the best health support and advice.”
The Pride in Practice programme is part of a pilot funded by the Government Equalities Office, co-ordinated by NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and delivered by the LGBT Foundation
It is endorsed and informed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Royal College of General Practitioners, Care Quality Commission, and the Government Equalities Office.