Island Health is adding its first ever 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison Nurse position at Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH).
The pilot project is aimed at enhancing the physical and psychological safety, as well as the comfort, of 2SLGBTQIA+ patients at the hospital.
“This new liaison nurse position is a wonderful addition to our care teams and will provide an important service,” says Leah Hollins, Island Health board chair. “This is an important step as Island Health works to improve health supports for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
Island Health says that the project is part of its commitment to providing safe, inclusive, accessible, gender-affirming care for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
The health authority says studies show that there are significant systemic barriers that impact 2SLGBTQIA+ community members’ willingness to access and receive care.
Registered nurse Emily Wyatt started her new role in December. Her key responsibilities include providing emotional support, advocating for healthcare, preventative harm reduction, and social and community resource connections and referrals.
“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure healthcare provided to people from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is patient-centered and psychologically, physically, and culturally safe,” says Wyatt.
The 2SLGBTQIA+ liaison nurse pilot project at RJH will be reviewed to determine additional locations in the future.
Cole Sorenson
