Barts Health NHS Trust has been recognised as a HIV Confident Organisation, endorsing its commitment to creating a stigma-free environment for its staff and patients who are living with HIV. The Trust had signed up to become a founding member of the HIV Confident Charter, an initiative of the National AIDS Trust (NAT), earlier this year.
It has now been recognised as a HIV Confident Organisation, which will mean patients and colleagues living with HIV will know they can access services, or work for the Trust, with confidence and without fear of discrimination.
Robbie Currie, chief executive officer of National AIDS Trust, said: “To achieve the goal of zero new HIV transmissions by 2030, education and awareness are crucial. I am delighted to congratulate Barts NHS Trust on receiving the HIV Confident charter mark. Having completed the programme, people living with HIV will know that Barts is a place where they can feel welcomed and supported.”
Will Kirby, quality improvement advisor manager and Jonathan Livingstone, wellbeing and inclusion manager are both Trust co-chairs of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network. They added: "Becoming a HIV Confident organisation is a huge step forward for Barts Health in ending stigma to all patients and staff living with HIV."
Read more about the Trust receiving the charter mark on the Barts Health website here.