A TRAILBLAZING doctor’s surgery has become the first in mid Essex to be recognised for its work with the LGBT community.

Fern House Surgery, in Newland Street, Witham, has received the Pride in Practice Gold Award after staff completed a training programme run by the LGBT Foundation.

The scheme, which is funded by the Government Equalities Office, aims to make surgeries more welcoming for LGBT patients and ensure they are addressed appropriately by staff.

Fern House has been involved in the programme for 18 months already and became the first surgery in mid Essex to receive official Pride in Practice recognition when it was handed its award last week.

Senior GP partner Dr Joanne Hopcroft said: “Taking part in Pride in Practice has been a really worthwhile experience for all our staff and will make a positive difference to our patients.

“We have all learned a great deal about LGBT+ healthcare access which helps meet our vision as a practice of giving all our patients the same level of service regardless of who they are.

“I would encourage any practice that has not already signed up for Pride in Practice to get involved.”

Dr Anna Davey, Clinical Chair at NHS Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group added: “Here in mid Essex, we want to make sure all members of our local LGBT+ community are able to have open and honest conversations with health and care professionals, so people’s individual needs are properly identified and they get the best health support and advice.”

The Government’s Equalities Office has funded the LGBT Foundation to deliver the Pride in Practice training to 350 primary care services across the country.

The scheme is now being launched in more rural areas after proving a success in cities such as London and Manchester.

Braintree Council health and wellbeing boss Peter Tattersley said: “It is so encouraging to see Fern House lead the way in the district for providing excellent care for LGBT patients.

“I hope to see other surgeries across the district follow suit and ensure all residents are getting the care and support they deserve.”