Sanitary bins installed in men's toilets at Rotherham Hospital
We've been speaking to the Yorkshire man who started the #InWithTheBins campaign
Sanitary bins have been installed in men’s toilet cubicles throughout Rotherham Hospital, for trans men and those with medical conditions who may need a bin.
The toilets have been installed as part of the #InWithTheBins campaign, which was pioneered by Trans Man Talks founder Quinn Pearse Brown.
Quinn told Hits Radio South Yorkshire: "It makes sense that a hospital would get on board with this because it is a medical need. I was surprised bins weren’t in the toilets in the first place.
"As a trans man I still have periods. I’ve been to places in my local area that has had no bin at all."
The campaign started on social media, but is now connecting with local groups who are affected by the problem.
Emily Wraw, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said: “I am delighted to see the bins in place throughout the hospital. We want people to feel comfortable and supported whilst visiting our site and we are pleased that this campaign benefits people in the LGBT+ community and beyond.”
Michael Wright, deputy chief executive of the trust, said: “We serve a diverse community and we understand the importance of providing an inclusive environment for those within it. This scheme is one more way for us to show our support for the LGBT+ community.”
This initiative follows the trust’s launch of the NHS Rainbow Badge scheme, which involves staff completing an LGBT+ awareness course and signing a pledge. The scheme aims to provide reassurance to patients, families and colleagues that the Trust is inclusive and non-judgemental for people who identify as LGBT+.
Quinn says he has asked other local venues in Yorkshire why they can’t put one in and was told it was partly down to costs.
“I just hope now that cis men and trans men can go into the toilets feeling less anxious less worried.”
Hoping to reach more locations in Yorkshire and nationally, Quinn says he will keep pushing #InWithTheBins.
“I’m speaking to people who want to help the campaign and are not just saying it because they want to boost their own ego.”