Stevenage’s Lister Hospital raised a rainbow flag on the site yesterday, in a public show of solidarity with the LGBQT+ community during Pride Month.

Kevyn Hopkins, Bereavement Officer and member of the hospital’s LGBQT+ network, had the honour of raising the flag himself yesterday amid resounding claps and cheers from onlookers.

Kevyn said: “Being asked to raise the Pride flag was a real honour for me, and I know seeing it flying means a lot to many others at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

“It’s not just a matter of LGBT+ inclusivity, but equality for everyone.

“Pride is a symbol of unity and hope. These are fundamental principles that the NHS is also founded on – that no matter who you are or where you are from, you have the same rights of equality and fair treatment as anyone else.

The Comet: LGBTQ+ Staff Network member Kevyn Hopkins raising the flag at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, with help from trust colleague Naga Vegandla. Picture: East and North Hertfordshire NHS TrustLGBTQ+ Staff Network member Kevyn Hopkins raising the flag at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, with help from trust colleague Naga Vegandla. Picture: East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust (Image: Archant)

“It’s why I am proud to be a member of both the NHS and the LGBTQ+ community.”