Sheffield Teaching Hospitals becomes first NHS Trust to fly the Race Equality Flag
19 July 2024
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be the first NHS Trust to fly the Race Equality Flag, a powerful symbol promoting racial equity.
The flag will fly at the Northern General Hospital and the Royal Hallamshire Hospital on 18th July 2024 to mark South Asian Heritage Month and will be raised again on 1st October 2024 to commemorate Black History Month.
Kirsten Major, Chief Executive at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said:
“I am very proud that we are the first Trust to fly the Race Equality Flag, in recognition of unity amongst the diverse groups working towards racial equality. This was a suggestion from our Race Equality and Inclusion Staff Network who have worked so hard to bring this to fruition. The flag is a very visible symbol of our commitment to be a brilliant place to work for everyone and we are working hard with colleagues from across our hospitals and community services to understand where we can do more to support all our staff and ensure they have the support and opportunity to reach their full potential. We want everyone to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all our staff, patients, and visitors and ensure we reflect the diverse communities we serve. We have made many changes over the past two years including ensuring our recruitment panels are more representative of the diversity of our staff and patients, raising awareness of opportunities for all staff to develop their career but especially those who historically may not have progressed as easily as others and most importantly being clear that there we have zero tolerance towards any racial abuse or discrimination. We know we have not got everything right yet, but we are working hard to be an exemplar employer for equality, diversity and inclusion.”
Vytautas Amponsem, Emergency Department Nurse and Clinical Co-chair of REIN (Race Equality and Inclusion Network) at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said:
"The Race Equality Flag serves as a powerful symbol to promote awareness and action towards racial equity, and we are pleased that today our Trust has recognised the importance of having a visible sign that we take race equality seriously and want to have an inclusive workplace for all.”
South Asian Heritage Month takes place from 18 July - 17 August 2024 and celebrates South Asian history and culture. The theme this year is 'Free to Be Me', celebrating the beauty of simply being yourself.
ENDS
Photos: Vytautas Amponsem with members of our REIN (Race Equality and Inclusion Network) next to the Race Equality Flag at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Northern General Hospital.
