A rainbow pedestrian crossing has opened at a Nottinghamshire hospital in what is thought to be the first of any NHS site in the county.
King's Mill Hospital unveiled the rainbow crossing this week as part of its recognition and support for the LGBT+ community.
It follows Sherwood Forest Hospitals' LGBT+ history campaign in February, which saw the launch of an ally scheme, blogs and a rainbow flag placed outside the Sutton-in-Ashfield hospital.
The rainbow crossing, which was once a standard zebra crossing, is the latest in the trust's schemes to recognise people from the LGBT+ community.
David Selwyn is the trust's medical director and is also the LGBT+ staff network executive.
He said: "The crossing is one of the many ways the trust is showing its inclusivity towards Sherwood colleagues and also towards our patients, visitors, guests and the local community.
"To be able to open this rainbow crossing, which represents the LGBT+ community and allies, as well as a symbol of the difficult 15 months we’ve all had in the NHS, is a special moment.
"I am delighted for it to be on display at Sherwood’s main hospital hub, King’s Mill Hospital."
Sherwood Forest Hospitals is one of many trusts throughout the country that has joined the NHS Rainbow scheme.
The scheme supports members of the LGBT+ community to have open and honest conversations about their healthcare in an understanding and safe environment.
Mr Selwyn added: "People visiting our hospitals may see colleagues wearing rainbow lanyards or badges.
"This means that they have signed up to the NHS’s LGBT+ rainbow badge scheme or the Sherwood ally pledge.
"These colleagues are available for a friendly, safe and supportive conversation about who you are, your identity and how you feel, and they’ll do their best to get support for you if you need it.
"It is important that everyone in our local community feels safe and welcome in our hospitals so they can receive the care they need."
Angela Sutton, PMO operations manager and LGBT+ chair at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, added: “I have been involved in the Trust’s LGBT+ agenda for a couple of years.
"As chair of the staff network, which includes over 60 members and allies, I have seen the growth and development towards being an even more inclusive organisation, not only for colleagues at Sherwood, but for the local community too."
The new rainbow pedestrian crossing can be found at the front of King's Mill Hospital's main entrance.
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