Northwestern Memorial Hospital recognized as “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Five Northwestern Medicine hospitals also recognized as “Top Performers” for demonstrating a commitment to LGBTQ patient-centered care
CHICAGO – Northwestern Memorial Hospital is one of 418 healthcare providers nationwide recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality,” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation for demonstrating a commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) patient-centered care. Northwestern Memorial is recognized as an Equality Leader for the seventh consecutive year. Facilities awarded this title are recognized for 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 LGBTQ health education for key staff members.
“At Northwestern Memorial, we treat a very diverse patient population and we are committed to providing care that is tailored each patient’s unique healthcare needs,” said Julie Creamer, president of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and senior vice president, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Fostering an environment that is equitable and inclusive is fundamental to our Patients First mission and we believe that this recognition underscores our commitment to providing compassionate, respectful and high quality care to all.”
Five other hospitals within the Northwestern Medicine health system were also recognized by the HRC as “Top Performers” for demonstrating a commitment to equitable and inclusive care for LGBTQ patients. Those hospitals are: Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital and Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.
“As our health system has grown, so has our commitment to providing an equitable and inclusive environment for every person who interacts with Northwestern Medicine – patients, families, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers and community members,” said Mike Vivoda, senior vice president, administration, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “We applaud the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for its leadership in LGBTQ equity and inclusion.”
In addition to commending Northwestern Medicine for a commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ patients and their families, the HEI report also recognized the health system for inclusive work environments and LGBTQ-inclusive employment non-discrimination policies.
In the 11th edition of the HRC’s “Healthcare Equality Index” scores healthcare institutions based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. HEI participants are given numeric scores in four criteria: foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies and LGBTQ Patient and Community Engagement. The 418 facilities that scored 100 were named as Equality Leaders. Another 95 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points.
The HRC Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.
The HEI offers healthcare facilities resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.
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