CANANDAIGUA – UR Medicine Thompson Hospital recently became one of only 418 healthcare providers across the country to earn the “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader" designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).
The designation was awarded in the 11th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), released March 27. A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2018 survey, with HRC Foundation proactively researching key policies at more than 900 additional non-participating hospitals.
“Scoring 100% and being included among the 418 to earn a ‘LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader’ designation is very meaningful to Thompson because it represents an important step in our journey to demonstrate commitment to providing inclusive care for all,” said Vice President of Associate Services and Wellness Jennifer DeVault. “We pledge to continue our work in ensuring everyone feels welcome and receives equal treatment from our hospital.”
The 11th edition of the HEI marks the second year that participants are given a numerical score based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. HEI participants are given 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. Participants receiving the maximum score in each section earn the status of “2018 LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” and those scoring between 80 and 95 points earn the “Top Performer” designation.
Thompson Hospital received the “Top Performer” designation from the HRC in 2017, having previously received designations from HRC in 2016 and 2014 as well.
Of the hospitals that did not participate in the HEI but were scored based on research, only 63 percent have patient non-discrimination policies that include both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” and only 53 percent were found to have an LGBTQ-inclusive employment non-discrimination policy.