CANANDAIGUA – UR Medicine Thompson Hospital recently became one of only 406 healthcare providers nationwide to earn the “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).
The designation was awarded in the 12th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). A record 680 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2019 survey, with HRC Foundation researching key policies at 1,000 additional non-participating hospitals.
Thompson Hospital received the “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation from the HRC in 2018 as well, having previously received other distinctions from the HRC in 2017, 2016 and 2014.
“Within UR Medicine Thompson Hospital, we work very hard to ensure we are providing a welcoming environment for all patients, visitors and employees who come through our doors. The HRC provides valued guidance as we continue finding ways to offer inclusive care for all members of our community, and we are proud to have achieved this latest distinction,” said Thompson Health President/CEO Michael F. Stapleton, Jr.
According to HRC President Alphonso David, “The healthcare facilities that participate in HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index are making clear that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients.”
“Going beyond inclusive non-discrimination policies, these healthcare facilities are adopting best practices in the areas of LGBTQ patient care and support, employee policies and benefits, and LGBTQ patient and community engagement,” he said.
The 12th edition of the HEI assesses participants on four criteria: Non-Discrimination and Staff Training, Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and Patient and Community Engagement. Thompson and the other facilities that earned “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation received the maximum score in each section and earned an overall score of 100. Another 148 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points.