Mission Matters Issue 3 Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 22
Lark in the Park: Last Pride month, a gathering with food and music was held in the Four Masters Park which
brought everyone together.
P de he Ma e
Prriide in
Pride
iin
n the
tthe Mater
Matterr
In Pride Month, Mission Matters finds out how the LGBTQ+ Committee,
co-chaired by Karen Fitzpatrick & Peter Loughrey, are helping shape a
more inclusive hospital community
M
ission Matters wondered
what first inspired Karen
and Peter to get involved in
the LGBTQ+ Committee, and what
still keeps them passionate about it
today? Peter advises that he has
worked in the Hospital for 25 years
across most wards as agency staff,
then in critical care and now in health
and safety, and so has met people
from every background and, 8wanted
to help create a workplace where
everyone feels respected, safe, and
included.9 Working with the
committee as co-chair with Karen
Fitzpatrick over the last year and a
half he says, has been 8incredibly
rewarding9 especially when he sees
colleagues engaging so openly and
positively.
Karen joined the the LGBTQ+
Committee as she believed
it was more important
than ever, 8to foster
an inclusive and safe
environment
throughout the hospital
through the introduction
and amendment of policies,
visibility and awareness.9
The Mater hospital should be a place
where everyone, patients and staff
alike, feel welcome and respected9 she
says.
Peter and Karen are clear on one
matter especially. Compassion is often
in the small things like, listening,
respecting someone9s identity, using
the correct name or pronouns, and
creating an environment where staff
and patients feel comfortable being
themselves, they advise. In
healthcare, people are often
at their most vulnerable they
believe, so kindness and
understanding can make
a huge difference to someone9s
experience.
Both have learned that inclusion
and compassion are closely aligned
with the hospitals core values. The
Mater has always focused on caring
for people, and the Working Group
reflects that through respect, dignity,
and support for others.
One misconception they would like to
mention – the idea that inclusion only
affects a small group of people.
Creating an inclusive environment
improves care and workplace culture
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