Description:

In a world where healthcare should be a sanctuary for all, too many LGBTTQIA+ individuals face daunting barriers to accessing inclusive and respectful medical services. Wellcome!, seeks to revolutionise the healthcare experience by empowering both queer individuals and medical receptionists to create environments of acceptance and understanding within GP clinics. Wellcome! is a pioneering initiative undertaken by our non-profit organisation to address the systemic challenges faced by queer communities in New Zealand's healthcare system. Through our face-to-face workshops that bring people together outside the clinic environment, we facilitate meaningful dialogues between queer volunteers and medical receptionists, fostering empathy, awareness, and actionable change.
Queer individuals often encounter hostility, discrimination, and ignorance when seeking medical care, resulting in profound disparities in health outcomes. From misgendering and deadnaming to subtle microaggressions, these experiences contribute to a pervasive sense of alienation and distrust within healthcare settings. Meanwhile, well-intentioned medical receptionists, overwhelmed by the demands of their roles, may lack the knowledge and resources to provide truly inclusive care.
At its core, Wellcome! is more than just a project — it's a lifeline for marginalised communities, a beacon of hope in a healthcare landscape marred by inequity and discrimination. By amplifying the voices of those who have long been silenced and empowering allies to effect meaningful change, we're not only transforming GP clinics but laying the groundwork for a more compassionate and inclusive society. The project prioritises inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that as many materials and processes as possible are designed with lifecycle considerations, e.g., the reusable scenario card decks. By fostering dialogue and education, the project encourages long-term behavioural change among healthcare professionals, promoting sustainable practices that benefit society and the environment.
Our workshops serve as catalysts for transformation, bridging the gap between queer patients and frontline healthcare staff. By creating safe spaces for open dialogue and mutual learning through scenario discussions, feedback sessions and a group review of our checklist detailing cultural competency needed within clinics, we empower receptionists to recognise their pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and to implement tangible strategies for improvement. From adopting gender-affirming language to revising intake forms, these small yet impactful changes have the power to revolutionise the healthcare experience for queer individuals.
The focus on human-centred design and sustainability principles sets Wellcome! apart, along with its strong values of empathy, education, and collaboration. It represents a novel approach to addressing healthcare disparities, making it a pioneering initiative within healthcare inclusivity.