The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust’s (UHL) perinatal services has been awarded the Gold Pride in Practice Award from the LGBT Foundation, recognising excellence in LGBTQ+ healthcare for the department’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, person-centred care.
Pride in Practice is a national quality assurance programme delivered by the LGBT Foundation to help healthcare providers strengthen their services for LGBTQ+ patients. Providers can achieve bronze, silver or gold accreditation following a comprehensive assessment process that evaluates training, policies, and engagement with LGBTQ+ communities. The Gold Award represents the highest level of achievement, placing UHL among a small number of maternity and neonatal units nationally to be recognised at this level.
The award celebrates a range of initiatives introduced by UHL’s perinatal services to ensure that all families feel supported, respected, and represented in their care. These include LGBTQ+ e-learning for staff, the introduction of inclusive language and body maps in maternity records, and a guideline to support trans and non-binary birthing people—now shared as an example of best practice across the Midlands Perinatal Network. The team has also developed a dedicated online area for LGBTQ+ parents, attended Leicester Pride for two years running in partnership with Trade Sexual Health, and embedded inclusive practices such as asking everyone their pronouns at their first midwifery appointment.
Dalvir, Consultant Midwife and lead for inclusivity at UHL, who led the Gold Award project, said: “This award marks an important step in continuing to rebuild and strengthen trust with communities that have not always felt heard or represented by NHS services. It’s great to see recognition for the work we’re doing, not only allowing other NHS Trusts to learn from our successes but also paving the way towards healthcare equity.”
The success of the Gold Award also reflects the strong partnership between UHL and community organisations. Gavin Brown, Chief Executive at Trade Sexual Health commented: “Working alongside UHL Perinatal Services has been a fantastic example of how community organisations and NHS teams can come together to make meaningful change. Their commitment to listening, learning, and adapting has created a safer and more supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people and families.”
UHL Perinatal Services continues to lead the way in inclusive healthcare by addressing health inequalities and ensuring that all families—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or family structure—receive compassionate, equitable care throughout their perinatal journey.
For more information on UHL’s work to promote equality in healthcare, visit www.uhleicester.nhs.uk/about/health-equality-partnership