The NHS trust that runs the Royal London has been recognised as one of Britain’s top 10 healthcare employers for meeting the needs of the gay and lesbian community.

The Barts Health NHS Trust, which also runs east London’s Mile End, Newham, London Chest and Whipps Cross hospitals, was ranked seventh out of 32 health authorities in Stonewall’s first nationwide Healthcare Equality Index.

The Stonewall charity set up the index in its long-running campaign to tackle inequalities and make the health service more accessible, regardless of sexual orientation.

It helped Bart’s trust address issues of discrimination and exclusion by holding an audit of staff policies and training practices and running staff seminars. The trust now has a staff network to promote better employment practices and to challenge stigma and discrimination.