Seattle – All of UW Medicine’s hospitals have been named “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality” and included in the Human Rights Campaign 2014 Healthcare Equality Index.
The four hospitals named are Harborview Medical Center, Northwest Hospital and Medical Center, UW Medical Center and Valley Medical Center.
The Healthcare Equality Index is a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans, and recognizes healthcare institutions doing the best work.
To be included, a hospital must earn top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.
“UW Medicine is committed to providing equal, high quality and affordable care to members of the LGBT community in our hospitals and clinics,” said Johnese Spisso, chief health system officer for UW Medicine and vice president for medical affairs for the University of Washington.
“Our leadership and staff are invested in educating ourselves about issues that are important to patients and their families, listening to feedback and experiences from members of the LGBT community in how we can continue to improve and creating work and care environments that make everyone feel safe and welcome,” Spisso said.
UW Medicine hospitals were among a select group of 426 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.
