Our staff stories

Sam is a registered nurse working in the Trust’s Critical Care department (intensive care/high dependency). Sam’s pronouns are she/her.

Can you describe your role at UHSussex?

The Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH) Critical Care department is a 31-bed unit (we’re expanding to 55 beds when we move into the new 3Ts phase one development).

The role of a critical care bedside staff nurse is to care for one or two critically ill patients. I view the role as having three main elements:

Firstly, helping shape and deliver clinical care in line with the patient’s treatment plans. We conduct assessments, give treatment, monitor progress and feedback to the medical team. Like all bedside nurses, we are at the heart of co-ordinating multi-disciplinary team care.

Secondly, supporting our patients with their activities of daily living. The things we can take for granted (e.g. breathing, moving, communications, eating, drinking, hygiene, elimination, feeling safe and secure) are often compromised by critical illness. We support our patients in these areas as needed, alongside providing emotional support.

Finally, supporting our patients’ nearest and dearest. We try to help visitors understand what to expect when visiting the unit, explain what they’re experiencing and answer their questions. Families need support too, emotional and practical, and the team tries to remind them of the importance of looking after themselves.

Despite all the “high tech”, we are nursing patients not numbers.  The time and energy we spend with our patients, attending to their multiple needs in a focussed fashion means we really get to know them. 

I find this role incredibly rewarding…I get to care for patients in a holistic fashion, I get to work with an amazing team, I am always learning something new. Critical care nursing fills my heart in a way that no other career ever has. Moving from IT to ITU has been right for me.

What attracted you to UHSussex originally?

After nearly 30 years of working in IT, I decided nursing was the right second career for me. I qualified in February 2018 and went on to work in Worthing, moving to their critical care unit after 7 months in acute admissions.

Worthing is a wonderful hospital and I learned so much; however, the RSCH has a larger Critical Care unit which deals with trauma, neurology and, of course, is a teaching hospital. The sheer variety of critical care exposure drew me here. I have been with the trust for about 10 weeks now.

I applied to UHSussex just before the Belong Here campaign launched, and my eyes lit up when I saw it. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s wonderful to work in an organisation which runs campaigns like this. Through actions and not just rhetoric, UHSussex provides a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ staff and patients.

What inspired you to become involved with the LGBTQ+ Network?

I just want to live my life, come to work, nurse my patients like anyone else. I dream of the day that being a lesbian is not an issue to anyone, nor is any other attribute such as accent, skin, faith and so on. Our society isn’t quite there yet. It’s important to ensure that as an organisation, and as a nurse, we send a strong message, in words and behaviour, that that we support all people equally.

In Worthing, I was part of the team that rolled out the NHS Rainbow badges. My involvement in the UHSussex LGBTQ+ network started even before I joined the Trust – in July, I reached out to the Prides team to see if there was anything I could do to get involved in Brighton Pride. Imagine my delight when in August I was able to march in the parade as a wheel steward!

It was an amazing and wonderful experience, especially as we were marching alongside some of the people who had featured in the Belong Here campaign. To meet those people, to be a part of the Pride event made me feel so warm and welcome.

I’ve been impressed with the other activities the network organise, for example, the LGBTQ+ Healthcare seminars that the Network has arranged alongside the Medical School. I wanted to get more involved in actively supporting this work.

You’re now moving from being ‘involved’ to being a part of the leadership. Tell us more!

I am excited to be stepping up into the role of Deputy Network Convenor!

Earlier this year, the Network put out a call for volunteers and I thought “I have to put my hand up” – and I did! From my previous career, I’ve experience of organising, planning, managing and delivering strategic projects and I hope to bring these skills, along with my passion, to the role.

My management is amazingly supportive of this development opportunity, and Nick [Groves, Network Convenor] and I are already kicking off several exciting projects.

I’ll be learning from Nick over the next year or so, and then potentially moving into the Convenor role which will allow someone new to carry the torch as Deputy Convenor.

Can you share any information about these forthcoming projects?

Over the last few years, society has gone through big shifts in the realisation that the assumed links between medical matters and gender identity are not correct. It’s been commonplace to incorrectly believe that gender defines the organs you have. For example, someone who is assumed to be a woman “couldn’t possibly” have a prostate or someone’s who is assumed to be a man would have no need for cervical testing.

This outdated view can exclude the possibility of the right care being given to our trans and non-binary communities.

We want to start looking at the clinical pathways we use to ensure that they are fully inclusive and that these ubiquitous assumptions are removed. We must work to break the perceived link between gender and body parts, which in turn will help reduce the barriers people face when accessing the treatment they need.

Work is just one part of our identities. Who is ‘Sam’ outside of the trust?

I’m a ukulele player and used to perform in a band called Qukuele (you can find them on YouTube!). I find that playing music really helps me to relax – I’d love to join another group and have heard that the trust used to have its own ukulele band in Critical Care called ICukes. Listen to this space!

I really enjoy photography, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. My two cats – Salt and Pepper – keep me busy as well!

What would you say to LGBTQ+ people thinking about a career here?

UHSussex encapsulates Brighton’s reputation for diversity and offering a welcoming atmosphere – and I think that’s awesome. Personally, I really feel that this is home (professionally and personally) and can recommend it to anyone!

Ash has worked for UHSussex since 2012 and has seen a lot of positive change happen for the LGBTQ+ communities of staff and patients. He uses he/him pronouns.

What’s your background at UHSussex?

I’ve held a number of different roles in the last eight years. I started in Phlebotomy before moving to A&E.  I’ve also worked in main theatres, and in the IV team.  This year, I was seconded to lead our participation in Brighton Pride, which was an amazing experience and really refined my project management skills.

What first brought you to UHSussex ?

I’ve always worked in health, and wanted to move to Brighton as it seemed like a good place to live and work. Working on the Royal Sussex County Hospital site was a natural fit for me and what I wanted from life.

You’re very involved with the LGBTQ+ Network. What changes have you seen over the past eight years?

From my point of view and experience, there’s always been openness with lesbian and gay staff. That open culture for bi, queer and trans staff has caught up quickly and is now much greater than it has ever been. It really is improving every year.

I feel that our participation in Pride is a big part of this.  Following my experience with this year’s Brighton Pride, I am part of the team which will be taking us to Trans Pride, Disability Pride and Brighton Pride in 2020.

Here, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ Network and the fact that the trust is involved with Prides. Events like our 2019 LGBTQ+ Inclusion Conference or LGBTQ+ Healthcare Seminars are regularly held and we’re able to talk openly. We also have visibility of, and representation from, our senior leaders.

We still need to deal with some stigma that remains in society. There is a real opportunity to continually improve education around support for trans and non-binary people. Some colleagues don’t have day to day interactions with all of the LGBTQ+ community, so focusing on education and raising awareness of issues would be a great opportunity to help them understand more, and so offer even better support to patients or staff.

I think that it’s important for people to have an active role in their immediate workplace and in the wider organisation. The more a workplace has a proactive role in looking after their staff, the more comfortable staff become and the better care they can give to our LGBTQ patients.

You moved to Brighton to get your work/life balance right.  What is life like outside of work?

I describe myself as a gay and queer rights enthusiast – some would say ‘activist’ but that word can bring up certain images which don’t describe me.  Things get my back up about how people are treated in organisations all around the world, and I am happy to be a voice for those people and proudly champion their rights.

Being active isn’t always about standing on a picket fence with a banner – it’s about doing other things that help within work or everyday life.  I live this by being open and proud of who I am, of my sexuality and getting involved in local charities and help work towards a better world. I have a great support network of friends, not just in Brighton but all over the UK, so having amazing friends that I can be myself around is massively important to me; they are my family. I love travelling and seeing the world which I try to do as much as possible – that’s more achievable working in the NHS than any organisation or company I’ve worked before.

What would you say to anyone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking of making a career at UHSussex?

If you look across the country and the statistics for the number of LGBT+ people in the workforce, this is obviously one of the best places to work.  Brighton is a very inclusive as a place to live (although not perfect).

We still have some work do to, and if people want to join us on that journey, they would be made very welcome.

What is your role at UHSussex?

My speciality is making orthodontic appliances for children.  This includes fixed braces and removable devices helping those young people have the healthiest possible mouths.  I also have done lot of work for babies with cleft palates, creating appliances for patients as young as two weeks.

I also do the surgical planning for patients who are having their jaws broken and reset.  Everything is constructed in plaster first, and then I make a plastic stent so that it’s clear where the jaws need to go when the patient is having their treatment.

This surgical side is relatively new to my career story, but I love it.

What attracted you to UHSussex?

Previously, I was working for one of the biggest London NHS Trusts and initially wanted somewhere closer to home where I could find a better work/life balance.   I love living beside the sea, so UHSussex was a natural place to find work.

Now that you’ve been here for a few years, how have you found the UHSussex experience?

This is a trust which has a real passion for its workforce and really values its staff.  Wherever you look, the trust is doing things to make the experience of its staff better.  There’s a Disabled Staff Network, lots of support, staff engagement, and plenty of training on offer.  I’ve really found that this is somewhere that offers far more than just a ‘turn up, work, go home, sleep, repeat’ lifestyle.

Then, of course, there’s the LGBTQ+ Network.

What inspired you to get involved in the LGBTQ+ Network?

Starting at UHSussex was my first real exposure to the LGBTQ+ community.  Everywhere else I’ve worked, the community has been there, but it hasn’t been as visible.  Since arriving in Brighton, I’ve met so many people in community.  I’ve made friends and heard first-hand about the problems and issues they face on a daily basis.  This made me want to help.

I’m delighted to be working on the trust’s involvement in Pride 2020, and am starting on the ‘Super Allies’ programme which is going to launch more widely in the New Year.

How do you experience your ally-ship to the LGBTQ+ community of staff and patients?

I believe that everyone needs to help one another – that’s why I wanted to become an ally.

I’m passionate about helping people to find their voice, and finding opportunities to add mine to theirs.   I wanted to help the people I was getting to know, address issues, and help to cast a light on anything which didn’t seem right.

I feel that we are all equal and should be treated equally.  I’ve relied on people to help me in the past with disability related issues, so I wanted to help others by becoming a visible ally within the LGBTQ+ Network.

You’ve mentioned improving your work/life balance by coming to UHSussex.  What do you do away from the hospital?

I’m someone who always has to be learning or doing something.  I’m currently partway through an NHS Apprenticeship in management, qualified as a reflexologist a few years ago and am an avid reader with several books on the go at once.

I also have a real interest in what used to be called ‘new age’ things.  I’ve got a meditation area in the garden (summer use only!) and really enjoy holidays with friends to places like Avebury in Wiltshire.  My partner and I also follow motorbike racing and attend the British round at Silverstone every year.  We also like to go out on our Yamaha R1 when the weather allows!

When I get a chance, I also enjoy yoga and have appreciated the classes that the trust puts on for staff as they’re so good at making allowances for anyone with a disability.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at UHSussex?

Don’t hesitate!

This trust is making huge efforts to remove barriers for its staff and patients, to be more understanding, to make things more equal for everyone and to support everyone, no matter what they need.

I genuinely feel that this is a really good place to work, and especially if you’re LGBTQ+.  There’s always something positive happening.

What is your role at UHSussex – and what does a typical day look like?

I’m the Medical Secretary in Paediatric Orthodontics in the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.  I don’t really have a typical day but it’s busy, as you can imagine!

I am also the Lead for the Disabled Staff Network.  As part of that, I have been involved in the Workplace Disability Equality Standard consultation meetings and try to attend the Diversity Matters Steering Group Meetings.  That has been difficult recently as I never seem to have enough time!

On top of those things, I am also the Equalities Officer for the Central Sussex Hospitals UNISON Branch and, as you can imagine, that takes up a lot of time too.

What attracted you to work at UHSussex?

I worked for Sussex Partnership prior to coming to UHSussex and as I had been in that Trust for some time, I wanted a change.  That was a few years ago now and I have had a variety of roles within the trust.

I am proud of what UHSussex does and how well respected it is in the community.  As a born and bred Brightonian it has always been ‘my’ hospital’.  I came here when I needed A & E treatment and I have three daughters who were all born in the Royal Sussex County Hospital.  I have had several hip operations at the Princess Royal Hospital so feel very secure that I understand the patient’s point of view as I am one!

You’re already an active Ally in our Network. Recently you became the Network’s Disability Special Correspondent – what inspired you to take on this role?

I have a disability myself, as does my daughter (who is gay) and nearly 1 in 8 of our LGBTQ+ colleagues state they have a disability (twice as many as for straight staff).

Becoming the Disability Special Correspondent is a way for me to use my lived experience within the LGBTQ+ Network to help voices of staff be heard.  Addressing issues of access and diversity has wider benefits for everyone within the LGBTQ+ Network, no matter how they identify.

(NB. Special Correspondents are UHSussex colleagues who have an area of specialist knowledge about LGBTQ+ lived experience and who are using that specialist knowledge to help the trust continually improve inclusion for all LGBTQ+ people.)

What do you hope to achieve as Special Correspondent?

I hope that by being a Special Correspondent and a visible ally, I can help to make the Trust especially welcoming for LGBTQ+ folk who also have a disability.  I’m particularly looking to help the Trust ensure that information is available in a wide variety of formats (not just digital), and will be setting up fun events to bring people together, helping everyone’s voice to come through loud and clear.

I believe that most people want to have a work/life balance in a safe and inclusive space.  I know that when you have a disability and are part of the LGBTQ+ community, this can sometimes feel difficult to achieve.  My role will help the Network (and wider Trust) keep on top of any issues or areas of concern, as well as sharing best practice.

Work is just one part of our identities – what do you get up to away from the trust?

Two of my daughters still live at home and even now they are grown up, we all help out with running our household.  Just as well as I work full time and without their help it would be difficult for me on my own.

I also have a radio show under my alter ego called ‘Martha Swift’ and my show is on every week day from 2 – 3 pm and on Saturdays 2 – 4 pm on Seahavenfm (quick plug there!).  I have had the opportunity of interviewing some really interesting and famous people such as Gloria Gaynor, Candi Staton and many actors who appear at the Theatre Royal as I do the show reviews weekly for that local theatre too.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at UHSussex?

We live in a city which is synonymous with vibrancy and have always had a diverse culture which has attracted people to live in our city.

Even when those who are LGBTQ+ would hesitate in putting down roots in a town, they would come to Brighton as it had the reputation of being a welcoming city.

UHSussex has worked really hard to becoming an inclusive employer across all diversities and is demonstrating that by encouraging staff networks to evolve, such as the LGBTQ+ Network and the Disabled Staff Network.

By seeing that UHSussex has supportive groups such as these, I hope current and potential future staff will feel welcome, included and happy in their workplace, and understand that the Trust is a truly inclusive employer.

What is your job role at UHSussex – and what does a typical day look like?

I work as a biomedical scientist in microbiology, and am currently in the molecular virology lab. The job varies monthly as we “rotate” through different benches (work areas), so one month I could be looking at agar plates full of gonorrhoeae, the next I might be processing sputum ready for culture.

With winter the lab gets busier and busier so if you work clinically and send a green capped viral swab, think of me!

What attracted you to work at UHSussex?

I was born in Burton on Trent (the home of brewing!) and studied my BSc Biomedical Science at Uni of Brighton. During my BSc I did a placement year in the microbiology lab and never really left! I love Brighton and its vibrant queer community, I love the fact that this diversity is echoed in the staff in my department. It’s so nice to see people who are LGBTQ+ in leadership positions and I think their visibility helps me and other younger LGBTQ+ folk feel safer being ourselves at work.

What inspired you to get involved with our LGBTQ+ Network?

When I did my staff induction I got the Social Side Card with the list of all the networks and email bulletins. I went through the list and basically signed up to everything. The LGBTQ+ Network was immediately one of my favourites; I love how many opportunities are available through it and the sense of community I think it instils.

Just feeding back news/requests at our morning huddles from the LGBTQ+ Network and the Disabled Staff Network has made me more visible at work and consequently feel more empowered. It’s meant I’ve had really nice conversations with my colleagues about queerness and disability and I hope it’s signalled to people who aren’t out that there is support available. A lot of my friends and loved ones are non-binary or trans and my constant question to myself is “Would they be able to work here happily?”.  I’ll always be working towards that goal.

What do you feel you get out of being a part of the Network?

The biggest thing is the opportunity to help shape our workplace. Being queer (particularly identifying outside of LGB) still feels hard sometimes, overt homophobia may be becoming a thing of the past but prejudices and biases remain entrenched in a lot of people. Having a forum for more representation, more conversation and more allyship is a good place to start to tackle these biases or prejudices.

I am really proud to be helping organise our Trust presence at the three different pride events in Brighton in 2020: Disability Pride, Trans Pride and Brighton Pride. I am also involved in the new Super Allies project, which will hopefully be helping allies in different teams feel educated and empowered enough to take the lead on equality in their area.

I have also really enjoyed being a mentee through the Network’s mentorship scheme. Being mentored has been awesome – it’s so good to hear from people outside of my department. Talking to my mentor (Janet Lee) has totally inspired my approach for UHSussex Pride. I had no idea about all the amazing projects the Alex has for looking after trans/gender non-conforming kids.

If you’re a current staff member, keep reading Buzz and the Network emails because in the run up to the Pride events I will be sharing short articles about different team’s approaches to making our Trust LGBTQ+ and disability friendly. If your team does anything special to make any particular group more comfortable during their use of our services please do get in touch (elizabeth.heath@nhs.net)

 Work is just one part of our identities – what do you get up to away from the Trust?

I am a keen allotmenteer, crafter and baker. I need to keep my hands and mind busy all the time so I churn out a lot of craft projects just to have a go. I’m never really too focused on making something beautiful, as long as I have fun trying. My all-time favourite craft project would be a horrific multi-coloured Fair Isle knitted jumper with unicorns prancing across my belly. I knitted it when I was about 15 and had only ever knitted a scarf prior to that….I have always been ambitious! My allotment is my pride and joy, my partner and I get so excited about tomatoes and chillies it’s ridiculous!

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at UHSusex?

I think we are a good employer and real change is happening. If you care about things then there are a lot of opportunities here to help influence the future of UHSussex. I was definitely scared of getting involved at first but once you take that first step you won’t regret it. ​

What’s your role at UHSussex?

I am an Endoscopy Administrator – I’ve been here three years and absolutely love it.  It’s a really good team and atmosphere to work in, every day is different and it’s always full on.

My role is to book patients in for endoscopy or other complex procedures.  It’s really important that our patients are able to get the treatment they need as swiftly as possible, so the administration team have to be ‘on it’ all the time!

Can you describe a typical day?

We receive referrals from other services, and a lot of the day is spent on the phone speaking to patients to find out when they can come in for their procedure and getting them booked in.

When you book a patient in for their treatment, it’s so rewarding to hear the relief in their voices, as they’re often nervous about any procedures and want the clarity of having a date in the diary.  Speaking to us, they know that they’re on the way to outstanding care.

What attracted you to work at UHSussex?

My background is in administrative and managerial roles, and my partner originally suggested that I look for a job in the trust as she thought that my sensitive and caring side would fit right in!

Being so involved in the treatment process is inspiring me to think about a more hands on role with our patients.  I’m not sure exactly what yet, but will take each day as it comes.  I’m really looking forward to seeing where my future goes here.

What inspired you to get involved with the LGBTQ+ Network?

One of my colleagues suggested that I might be interested in the Network, and it seemed like a great way to get to talk to, and meet, people with similar values and life experiences.

Being a part of the Network has helped me to feel included here – you know that there’s a team around you and you feel so welcomed.  The Network is a real inspiration and I promote it every chance I get.

The trust is making real efforts to ensure that everyone is welcomed and feel included.  In an organisation of this size, I’m sure that there are a few people who haven’t had as good an experience as I have.  However, I really want to say that there are people you can contact and talk to, and that there’s no reason to feel alone.

Another great thing about being part of the Network has been the opportunity to get involved with the LGBTQ+ Mentoring Scheme.  I’d previously met my mentor as part of the Network, and he’s been a real inspiration to me through the mentoring programme.

Work is just one part of our identities – what do you get up to away from the trust?

My partner – fiancée in fact! – and I have got a 2-year-old who takes up a lot of our time, especially with trampolining and swimming.  We had our daughter after three rounds of IVF, and we’re both passionate about helping anyone else thinking about IVF and who needs advice/support.  IVF can be a very tough and emotional process, so if we can share what we learned with others, we’re really happy to have a chat about it all.

At the same time, we’re renovating parts of our house and I’m trying to progress my career, building up my knowledge and taking on board all that I can so that I can move towards managerial roles in the next few years.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at UHSussex?

Do it!  It’s a real privilege to work here as it’s such a good environment filled with really supportive people.

And when someone joins, they should absolutely get involved with the network.  I’m really looking forward to seeing it grow even further.

Jess’ pronouns are she/her.

What’s your role?

I am a qualified adult nurse and work on the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) in the Royal Sussex.  I’ve been here nearly a year (does that still count as newly qualified?) and previously I worked as a Health Care Assistant on the Acute Medical Unit.

In addition, I’m the Trans and Non Binary Special Correspondent for the Trust. Special Correspondents are UHSussex colleagues who have an area of specialist knowledge about LGBTQ+ lived experience and who are using that specialist knowledge to help the trust continually improve inclusion for all LGBTQ+ people.

What does your average day look like?

However, there really is no average day on AAU!  Our patients arrive from A&E with a wide range of care needs and we look after them before they are discharged into other wards for ongoing care.  This means that every day is different, and it really keeps me on my toes.

What attracted you to UHSussex?

Originally I wanted to be a doctor, so studied for three years with Brighton and Sussex Medical School.  However, it wasn’t for me, so I decided to change track but stay within healthcare.

I wanted to work somewhere varied and where I could see myself being able to return to university to undertake further study.  I loved living in Brighton, so UHSussex was the ideal match.

What inspired you to become involved with the Network?

As someone who is genderqueer and pansexual, I wanted to be involved in any work improving the environment for LGBTQ+ staff and patients.

Being involved in the Network is great for finding my own sources of help and support, being surrounded by people with a similar mindset.  It’s also an opportunity to play a role in helping the trust improve as an employer of, and healthcare provider for, trans and non-binary people.

Equity and equality for people of different gender identities is always improving, but it’s not always as far advanced as for those with different sexual orientations.  Being part of the LGBTQ+ Network, and the Trans and Non Binary Special Correspondent, gives me a chance to be involved in this vital work.

At our first LGBTQ+ Inclusion Conference (February 2019), ‘Non Binary’ was a term that delegates weren’t completely familiar with.  Can you describe what it means?

The term ‘non binary’ means that a person’s gender identity is outside of the binary of ‘male’ or ‘female’ which is common throughout our Western society.  It comes under the trans umbrella as no one is assigned a non binary gender identification at birth, however not all non binary people will also identify as trans.

We also had quite a lot of discussion about the correct use of pronouns at the conference.  Can you elaborate on that?

Pronouns are a visible marker of gender identity, but not everyone will identify with the binary options of ‘he’ or ‘she’.  I use they or she as my pronouns, and I encourage everyone to be clear with the pronouns they use. Part of my work as the Trans and Non Binary Special Correspondent will be to help open up the discussion about pronouns, to help ensure that everyone can be identified in the way which is right for them.

People might identify with she/he, or they.  There is also a range of other pronoun expressions, for example ze/zir.  Using someone’s correct pronoun is a matter of respect, it’s as simple as that.  The best way to understand what a pronoun a person uses is simply to ask them.  It might feel a bit awkward at first, but it does get easier.

It is becoming increasingly common for people to identify with ‘they’ as their pronoun (for example the singer Sam Smith).  Interestingly, in English, the singular ‘they’ is actually older than the singular ‘you’, which many people don’t realise!

Work is just part of our identity.  What do you do when you’re not at work?

I am an avid reader and also really enjoy making things – I knit, crochet and cross stitch as an excellent way to unwind after a busy shift.  I’m getting into running (my partner helped me to train for my first 10k in Seaford this year) and also really enjoy Dungeons and Dragons.

What’s your role?

I don’t think there is an average day for a Chair. As it says on the label, I chair the Board – for University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust. I have to ensure that the board and governance in the organisation works really well. I also have an external ambassadorial role and I need to make sure we are meeting regularly and making connections with other organisations. I have to satisfy the regulators as well. So it’s pretty broad. The bit that really interests me is meeting staff. I just love meeting staff, and I don’t get to do that as much as I’d like.

Why did you get involved with the LGBTQ+ Network?

I chaired the Trust’s first LGBTQ+ inclusion conference. I’ve been associated with LGBTQ+ for a long time. I’m Brighton born and bred. My background is civil engineering and I spent several years away, building motorways and so on, in the Midlands. Then I came back and ended up in Brighton and Hove City Council, eventually becoming Chief Exec.  We used to pride ourselves that we did embrace diversity quite seriously. We were number three on the Stonewall equality index. I also went on what I believe was the first Stonewall equality walk in Brighton. I have seen a huge change. We’ve never really embraced diversity in the way that we do now. I think as a city we have embraced diversity pretty well. It’s a great place to live and work.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at the Trust?

I think it’s set up really well here. We’ve got the network now which is good and is becoming more and more established. There’s no doubt there has been stigma in the past. But I don’t get any sense of that in UHSussex at all. The execs and non-execs on the Board are really encouraged by the whole agenda and the fact that people are feeling able to be open and talk about issues the way that we do as an organisation. I think it’s fantastic. I wouldn’t come to an organisation that wasn’t embracing diversity the way UHSussex is at the moment.

What’s your role?

I work in pre-operative assessment, covering both PRH and SOTC. I’ve been with the unit for more than 13 years and have witnessed many positive changes develop over the last few years. I started with the trust in 2000 as a health care assistant and have thoroughly enjoyed my journey. In pre-assessment, we see over 270 patients a week, across a range specialties, so our skill set is diverse and the job is challenging. We have an in-depth booklet to work through for practically every patient and we ask a lot of sensitive questions. Its’ a privilege to do this job and meet the individuals who come our way. I have always likened pre-ops to CSI – sometimes it’s what the patient doesn’t say that speaks volumes. We assess all walks of life from the famous to the homeless; from a small lump excision to an oesophagectomy, and everything in between. It’s both fascinating and humbling. Pre-ops is a different type of pressure. As we are nurse led, we need to be able to make autonomous decisions regarding patients’ fitness before proceeding with their surgery. Sometimes we have to defer them and that’s never an easy decision to make, but keeping patients safe is part of what we do. Working with the team is like an extended family – they’re great and it’s such a supportive environment.

Why did you get involved in our LGBTQ+ Network?

When I attended the first LGBTQ+ conference I felt so proud I could burst, there was so much warmth. It’s not been an easy journey for me over the years not knowing quite how to represent myself and now, I found out, I have a ‘flag’! I didn’t even realise one existed. So when the role came up after the conference for an LGBTQ+ mentor, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to be part of this amazing inclusion which was rapidly gaining momentum throughout the Trust. One of the things I had noticed over the years, while being at PRH, is that LGBTQ+ is predominantly based at Brighton, and often Haywards Heath can feel like the forgotten older sister. I didn’t just want to represent myself, but our team and PRH as a whole. I am currently the only mentor from PRH and my mentee lives in Brighton – anything is possible. If you are interested in becoming either a mentor or a mentee, please don’t hesitate. Follow Nick Groves LGBTQ+ Forum – it’s a great place to make connections.

Work is just one part of our identities. What do you do away from the Trust?

My life outside work revolves around my wife and dog, they are my world. Hobby-wise, I’m slowly turning into my grandmother. I’m enjoying embroidery, decoupage, art and photography – seems like it’s a new hobby each week. My wife finds it amusing. Walking Mr Logan Snuffle Truffles at the end of a busy day or week is the best medicine – being able to recognise the importance of ‘time out’. The Japanese have a practice called Shinrinyoku (literally forest bathing), it’s wonderful to do and gaining popularity. I’m very lucky where I live and often go into the local woods with Logan and take time to unwind and just concentrate on being a human ‘being,’ not just a human ‘doing’. In our line of work, it’s vital to have a life outside of work.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at the Trust?

I would absolutely recommend working here. I’d say it’s a great place to work with plenty of opportunities. When you look how far the Trust has changed over the last 20 years, it’s inspiring. We now have a great support network that we haven’t had before. There’s always someone, somewhere you can talk to. We’re pushing forward inclusion and I am very proud to be part of UHSussex.

What your role?

As Dr Sabina Dizdarevic’s PA, I manage her diary, juggle meetings, monitor her e-mails and make sure that she and the wider department have everything they need to help it run smoothly. It’s great fun and extremely satisfying. There’s a lot of autonomy in the role and I really appreciate the opportunity to make sure that everything is in order, introduce new systems, and generally make everything as good as it can be.

How long have you been with the Trust?

I joined in August last year after working for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in North Wales. I have family in this area so moved back to be near them.

What differences have you seen between our Trust and your role in North Wales?

The role naturally changes depending on who you’re working for and the area you’re working in but, broadly, the work I do here is similar to the work I did in North Wales. The one important exception is there wasn’t an LGBTQ+ Network, or anything similar, in the Health Board. That’s been a very refreshing change.

What do you do in the LGBTQ+ Network?

As the LGBTQ+ Network Social Secretary, I get to take my love of organising things and turn it into great social events. I’m also the Twitter person for the Network, helping to grow our following. I’ve met quite a few colleagues through the social events the Network runs. It seems to be growing all the time and more people are coming to the socials, more often. It’s nice to help build those relationships – and it really is starting to feel like a proper community. There was a huge amount of information in my induction day about equality, pronouns, gender identity and diversity. Olivia King gave a session on people who are transitioning in the workplace – it was really interesting and stuck in my mind.

Work is just one part of our identities. What do you do away from the Trust?

My major passion is music – most weekends I go to live gigs. It’s great to be living in Brighton as there’s always something going on and something to see. I’m really into folk music. I’m half Irish so I’ve got a real passion for Irish traditional folk, but I also love English and French music. I’m planning to join a choir soon as well – I haven’t had the time so far but I’m determined to make it happen. My degree is in Irish and English, so I am fascinated by linguistics and the study of how language works. My particular interest is in minority languages, for example Irish, Welsh, Catalan, Breton and indigenous languages like Maori. I run a group for people interested in learning Irish – we meet once a month in the pub, so if you want to know more, drop me an email.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking of a career at the Trust?

For anyone new to the Trust or thinking about joining us I would say – you are welcome here. I think our Trust has the strategies and support in place for all of us, for everyone.

What’s your role?

I knew I wanted to be a surgeon from early on. None of my family had been to university even. Apparently, I was given a nurse’s uniform by my grandma and someone said ‘oh look she wants to be a nurse when she grows up’ and a pouty-faced little three-year-old turned round and said ‘No I don’t. I want to be a surgeon.’ I still have no idea where that came from. Having said that, I was always going to go to medical school. There was never any doubt about it. I first decided to be an orthopaedic surgeon after qualification. I did an A&E job and the first time I put back a fractured dislocation, I just thought this is so cool because you’ve got someone who’s in a lot of pain and there’s an obvious deformed limb in front of you. After treatment, the patient gets very good pain relief straight away and you’re putting people back together and getting them back on their feet, which is very satisfying. I came down here from Sunderland. I’ve always had the south of England in my heart, because I was born and bred in Kent, so it did feel a little more like coming home. I love Brighton. It’s such a vibrant place to live.

Why did you get involved in the LGBTQ+ Network?

I didn’t come down here at all because of the LGBTQ+ community. It didn’t actually feature on my radar. It was only when I got here and started seeing more people and thinking this is actually an added bonus. It wasn’t my main reason for coming here but I’m sure it is the main reason for a lot of people when they see how accepting it is. In the north east of England, I was out as a consultant and none of my colleagues ever batted an eyelid and I never felt prejudiced against.

I can’t speak for the wider trust because we are out on a limb, if you’ll forgive the expression. Orthopaedics and trauma have always been a very forward-thinking department and we have been quite eager to move with the times and develop the service.  Our culture has been one of improvement and striving for excellence.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at the Trust?

There are a lot of out colleagues who are very comfortable talking about their partners. You don’t feel you have to be shady about saying you have a same sex partner at home. You can be very non-specific in other places, talking about my other half or my partner and not mention their name or gender.  But here people will very comfortably talk about their partner and make it obvious that they’re a same sex partner, and it doesn’t raise any eyebrows. You never see anybody being surprised. Sometimes when you work with a shift of people and there are several of us, we think we should have a little badge that says ‘You don’t have to be gay to work here but it helps.’ It shouldn’t be a major deal because what you are at home, and who you share your life with is immaterial as to how you do your job, and I think that is actually how it is here. The more it’s accepted and the more that people don’t bat an eyelid, the more people are relaxed here and elsewhere, which is great. I belong to the Brighton Mitre Cycling Club and there’s plenty of LGBTQ+ riders who talk about their partners, so it’s not just in the Trust. It does seem that the climate is beginning to change for the better.

What’s your role?

Overall my role is to ensure that the unit runs smoothly. There are strategic elements to the role as well, and I work closely with our clinical lead teams. So for example if the guidelines need to be updated, we’ll work on that together. We’re developing the service all the time. It’s a nurse-led service and we’re making sure that our nurses continue to develop their skills and experience. The next thing on the horizon is we’re hoping to start a blood results interpretation course for nurses and this will help to streamline the service even further. When patients come into my room, I am seeing them one-to-one and they have my full undivided attention. It’s a part of my job that I still really enjoy. I’m also involved in other areas such as recruitment, or investigating the causes behind cancellations and trying to find ways to reduce them.

Why did you get involved with the LGBTQ+ Network?

I’ve worked at the Trust for nearly 20 years. When I was at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, I never felt I needed the support of an LGBTQ+ group. But the environment is very different at the Princess Royal Hospital. There is still diversity here but it’s less visible. I didn’t see any LGBTQ+ notices on the noticeboard, whereas I did in Brighton. I just felt I wanted to fly the flag a bit on this side of the Trust. I went to the conference and enjoyed it very much. I met some people that I wouldn’t normally see at work and it was interesting to hear their take on things.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at the Trust?

If anyone is concerned about coming out or being out, I’d say it’s very inclusive and welcoming here. Throughout my career I have always felt comfortable about being out with colleagues and I’ve never felt that I couldn’t be myself.

Work is just one part of our identities. What do you do away from the Trust?

I describe myself as a lesbian, vegan, cyclist, Mod. My partner and I just cycled 520 miles from Wales to Essex. I also often cycle to work from Brighton to PRH. I’m also a member of the British Vegan Runners and the Brighton, Lesbian and Gay Sports Society. I’m a Mod too, and my partner is a New Romantic. If someone had said to me when I was 16, you’ll marry a woman, I would’ve said, yeah OK. If they’d said you’ll marry a New Romantic, I would’ve thought, never.

What’s your role?

I’m based in outpatients and work between Brighton General and Hove Polyclinic. We see a patient every half hour or every 45 minutes, so we’re meeting new people on a regular basis – different personalities, different scenarios. It’s always interesting and no one day is the same.

Why did you get involved with the LGBTQ+ Network?

I’m an LGBTQ+ ally. I was born in Brighton, so the LGBTQ+ group has been more prominent here than perhaps in other places.  As a staff side rep, I’ve always been very aware of trying to ensure that we have equality for all. From our staff survey and from my role as a union rep working with staff side, we know that there are some inequalities – for people who are LGBTQ+, BME or who have a disability. So, it’s about trying to ensure there is equality at the Trust. I went to the LGBTQ+ conference and, on staff side, I’ve worked alongside Nick (LGBTQ+ convenor) for many years.  It encouraged me to get more involved.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at the Trust?

I’d like to think that, as we’ve got the Network and we’re aiming to be in the Stonewall 100 top employers for people who are LGBTQ+, this would encourage people to come to work here.  Hopefully they’d find there is a more positive attitude and less inequality.

What’s your role?

I’m employed by UHSussex but sponsored and hosted by Brighton and Hove City Council to investigate how we might delay permanent admission to care homes. I work with different health, social and third sector organisations across the city to support ageing well, and independence for older people at home. I’ve gone from someone used to direct clinical contact, to someone who is thinking about the reasons why clinical care is the way it is, and what we can do to shape it. Perhaps more than any time lately, I think there is the political will and also the plan, to place population health, community services, prevention and integrated working at the heart of how we operate. It feels like the potential is there to build on this, and finally crack that issue of ‘why do we all work in silos?’

Why did you get involved with the LGBTQ+ Network?

I think Nick and all the others do an absolutely amazing job promoting the network and saying to staff there are connections here you can make, and there are things going on that you can get involved in. I haven’t been able to go to many of the social events but I think what matters most is that it gives people a sense that they’re not alone, and that there is a sense of community, which is really important. One of the things that has been helpful to see is the increase in those openly identifying as LGBTQ+, which is good. But there’s still work to do.

What would you say to someone who is LGBTQ+ and thinking about a career at the Trust?

I’ve been pleased to see the vast number of people wearing rainbow lanyards and pin badges. I think it’s really representative and sends out a strong message of inclusivity and comfort to people. Many of us who think of our own coming out experience will have some bad memories, as well as good ones. The quality of the information the Network sends out and the events they put on, shows such clear commitment. It’s not an optional extra. It is also about trying to maximise the assets of our local area. It’s important we recognise we are in an LGBTQ+ community. I think Brighton has the potential to be an epicentre for change to shape the national and regional conversation and the approach to how LGBTQ+ people are cared for. To give a more personal example – if people see my ring and say how’s your wife doing, I can very quickly say actually they’re called Matt, and then we can just continue the conversation as normal. It’s not a hush-hush big issue.

Work is just one part of our identities. What do you do away from the Trust?

My husband Matt and I try to get out and explore our local area, so we’re often going to places like Arundel or Alfriston.  We’re so lucky because there is such good food round here.  We go away as often as possible. It’s a good way to force yourself from the workplace. Matt is an analyst for a company researching the political, economic and social characteristics of sub-Saharan African countries. The way that benefits me is that I get to go to these interesting countries as well, and learn about the world in a way I wouldn’t otherwise.