Zoe Taylor, a Healthcare Assistant on Sahara A ward at Queen’s Hospital, is sharing her passion for inclusivity at our Trust with two new initiatives aimed at bringing people together and improving the experience of our patients.

Zoe has created a wall display on her ward to spread awareness of LGBTQ+ and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) events taking place at our Trust, and pathways to the support available for staff.

“I have a huge passion for making sure our Trust is an inclusive, safe, and comfortable environment for every single individual that walks through our doors, whether they’re staff, patients, or visitors,” Zoe said. “It’s important for patients to know they have people they can trust, who will not discriminate against them, and will always hold them up when they need that little pick me up.

“EDI is so important in the NHS and promoting it encourages us to work together to give all patients from different backgrounds the care and support they need.

“I am a proud out member of the LGBT+ community and if this wall can make a difference in just one person's feelings or confidence then I know it was all worth it.”

Zoe has also instigated a “culture taster” initiative, encouraging staff on Sahara A to bring in food from their culture to share with colleagues and talk about their background.

“It’s all about inclusion and helping everyone feel comfortable bringing their whole self to work. I’m very happy and proud to be working on Sahara A ward with a very supportive manager, Hayley Osborne, who has been fantastic and always encourages my ideas.

“I’m also a member of our LGBT+ Network. They and the EDI team have been outstanding with their support and welcomed myself and my ideas with open arms.”