Facilities earn inclusion in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2013
Newswise — SEATTLE – Today the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) organization, recognized Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) and UW Medicine’s four hospitals and as “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2013. The annual survey conducted by the HRC Foundation, honors healthcare facilities leading the national effort to provide equal treatment and care for LGBT patients. SCCA, Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, Northwest Hospital & Medical Center, and Valley Medical Center each earned top marks in the survey for their commitment to equitable and inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who often can face significant challenges in securing healthcare.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the HRC as a testament to the enduring commitment by Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and UW Medicine to building an accepting and inclusive community,” said Alphonso Emery, Director of the Diversity Program at SCCA. “We believe all patients deserve the right to receive care that is free of discrimination and through our work with the HRC, we aim to sustain an inclusive environment for patients, their families, and our employees.”
The HRC annually invites health care facilities nationwide to participate in a survey rating themselves on providing equitable and inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families. The survey questions focus on the policies and practices considered essential for equitable and inclusive LGBT care, such as questioning whether the facility’s visitation policy explicitly grants same-sex couples the same access as different-sex couples. Facilities recognized as HEI 2013 “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality” meet key criteria for equitable care, including non-discrimination policies for LGBT patients and employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.
SCCA, Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, Northwest Hospital & Medical Center, and Valley Medical Center were part of a select group of 464 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality.” SCCA and UW Medicine’s four hospitals were congratulated by HRC Health & Aging Director Shane Snowdon during the HRC’s national press conference held July 11 at the headquarters of the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C. “LGBT patients deeply appreciate the welcoming environment provided by a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality.’” It makes a big difference to know that your local healthcare facility is fully committed to giving you the same care it gives your neighbors and co-workers.”
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.
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About Seattle Cancer Care AllianceSeattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) is a cancer treatment center that unites doctors from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, and Seattle Children’s. Our goal, every day, is to turn cancer patients into cancer survivors. Our purpose is to lead the world in the prevention and treatment of cancer. SCCA has five clinical care sites: an outpatient clinic on the Hutchinson Center campus, a pediatric inpatient unit at Seattle Children’s, an adult inpatient unit at UW Medical Center, a medical oncology clinic at Halvorson Cancer Care, and a radiation oncology clinic at UW Medicine / Northwest Hospital. Additionally, proton therapy services are provided at SCCA Proton Therapy, A Procure Center. For more information about SCCA, visit www.seattlecca.org.
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