Local ambulance service supports Reading PRIDE.

On Saturday 8 September South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) joined the circus themed parade from Reading Civic Centre to Kings Meadow Park. SCAS took a stand for diversity at Reading PRIDE for the fifth consecutive year to engage with the local community and to launch their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Network.

SCAS CEO Will Hancock joined staff from across the trust and Berkshire Public Governors Benita Playfoot and Gary Clark in celebrating the contributions SCAS' LGBT staff make to the service and diversity within the local communities they care for.

Will Hancock commented:

'I believe the LGBT network will be a force for good in SCAS and provide a further way to support our staff for the benefit of our patients. Diversity flourishes in healthy teams, creating the rounded individuals that we need at SCAS to deliver excellent services to our community that are personalised according to any individual's needs.'

Those representing the Trust at the event enjoyed a special LGBT launch cake and succeeded in recruiting a further 82 Foundation Trust Public Members bringing the Trust's total public membership to date to 9834.

Among the star attractions on stage were 80's chart topper Hazell Dean and Tight Fit, reformed 80's band famed for their UK No. 1 hit 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

The sun shone, the atmosphere was relaxed and fun and the event was much appreciated by all who attended. SCAS front line staff provided medical attention to a number of patients including one who had overdone the Champagne, one who had suffered an allergic reaction and another who had been assaulted.

The Trust's LGBT Network will soon be planning for next years Pride events within the four counties they serve - at Oxford, Milton Keynes and of course at Reading. They will also be working on continuing to engage with the Trust and other outside organisations to expand the voice and role of SCAS's LGBT Network.

Published 13 September 2012