Newswise — Baltimore, MD – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation has recognized Sinai and Northwest hospitals as leaders in the equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients and employees. The HRC is the educational arm of the largest LGBT civil rights organization in the United States.
The findings are part of the foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2014, a unique annual survey that encourages the same care for LGBT Americans that everyone else receives and recognizes healthcare institutions that meet or exceed certain guidelines.
To achieve recognition as 2014 Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality, Northwest and Sinai hospitals earned top marks using key criteria that involve patient and employee non-discrimination policies. They specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education and training for staff members.
“Being acknowledged by the HRC Foundation is extremely meaningful for our organization. LifeBridge Health values, above all else, compassionate, high quality health-related services provided to the community, regardless of sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, and financial status,” said Neil Meltzer, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health. “Giving the best care to every patient is tremendously important to our employees.”
Sinai and Northwest hospitals are among a select group of 426 healthcare facilities nationwide to receive this distinction.
The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare centers unique resources designed to help provide equal care to LGBT patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.
Sinai and Northwest hospitals are part of LifeBridge Health, one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of healthcare in Maryland. Also part of LifeBridge Health are Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, and related subsidiaries and affiliates.
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