Three North Shore-LIJ Health System Hospitals Called Leaders in LGBT Equality
Great Neck, NY (PRWEB) July 18, 2013 -- Three hospitals in the North Shore-LIJ Health System are among the 26 facilities in the country recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2013.
Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, Staten Island University Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City were named in the annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization.
The three hospitals earned top marks for their commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face significant challenges and barriers in securing quality healthcare.
Southside was the only hospital on Long Island to receive the recognition.
“Our recognition as a ‘Top Performer’ and Long Island’s leader by the HRC Foundation is an endorsement of our commitment to provide quality care to all our patients and support a diverse workplace,” said Donna Moravick, NP, executive director of Southside Hospital.
The three were among a select group of 464 healthcare facilities nationwide and 23 in New York state to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet or exceed 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.
“This distinction means that we’re becoming more sensitive to the LGBT community on Staten Island. They can feel confident when they come here that we have staff that understand their special needs and are comfortable in providing them with services,” explained Celina Ramsey, language, health literacy and diversity coordinator at SIUH.
The hospitals pursued HEI leadership status following a comprehensive review of their policies and practices surrounding health equality for all persons, including LGBT populations. The hospitals recognize that LGBT persons continue to face unique challenges and burdens in accessing equitable, non-discriminatory care and strive to not only address those challenges, but to be leaders for LGBT health equality.
In addition to this recognition, Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital have conducted community health education and screenings at NYC Pridefest; provide free HIV testing and counseling; are working closely with the North Shore-LIJ Health System’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion on launching an LGBT employee group; and regularly conduct LGBT cultural competency training for medical residents and interns.
The recognition as a “Leader in LGBT Health Equality” underscores the hospitals’ commitment to delivering quality care to each patient and reducing health disparities. This is one marker of its comprehensive plan to continue a long tradition of health equality leadership and service. For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, or to download a free copy of the report, visit http://www.hrc.org/hei.
Tony Davenport, North Shore-LIJ Health System, 516-465-2755, [email protected]
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