The chaplain of the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead has been named a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) “role model” within the NHS at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Reverend David Rushton, lead chaplain at the hospital in Pond Street, was one of 24 “LGBT role models” chosen by judges at a show run by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) magazine in Soho last month.
Judges said he was “someone who is prepared to stick his head over the parapet, but always in a very modest way”.
Mr Rushton said: “I am looking forward to continuing working with patients and staff in all areas where people might face discrimination. I am surprised but very happy to have made the list. This is saying that being gay is ok and that it is normal.
“I think there is an atmosphere in this trust set by the management which allows people to be open about who they are.”
Also selected was Kerry Wykes, senior staff nurse at the Royal Free. She said: “I was surprised and delighted to be nominated.”
The role models were selected from a group of 60 nominees for their work to promote the inclusion of, and support for, the LGBT community.
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