Island Health has launched a pilot program looking to improve the physical, psychological and cultural safety and overall comfort of 2SLGBTQIA+ people at Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) and occasionally at Victoria General Hospital (VGH).
The 2SLGBTQIA+ liaison nurse program was launched this month and is the first of its kind in B.C., according to Island Health.
2SLGBTQIA+ liaison nurses are now on hand to provide emotional support and health-care advocacy and refer individuals to community and social resources.
The pilot program is mainly being held at RJH but is also supporting people at VGH when needed.
The nurses can also provide useful information and facilitate connections to gender-affirming care.
“Many people within S2LGBTQIA+ communities have had negative experiences with healthcare systems and this can make them anxious about getting the care they need,” Island Health said in a statement. “We’re working to understand more about how to make health care better for everyone and to ensure it feels right for people of all genders. You have a right to receive the same care that would be provided to people who are not 2SLGBTQIA+.”
The hospital-based service was also launched to reduce barriers for 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, clients and families and facilitate access to health services.
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