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.
The Sunflower exists to support those with non-visible disabilities such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, sight or hearing loss.
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 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.
By choosing to wear the Sunflower as a lanyard, badge, ribbon, card or wristband, people with non-visible disabilities can discreetly let people around them know they have a non-visible disability and that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or simply more time.
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 have joined the network and are ensuring that the Sunflower is recognised across the organisation. It is important that the NHS is accessible for 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.”
You can learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower by visiting their website.
