Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital recognized as "Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality" by Human Rights Campaign Foundation

CHICAGO, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital have been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation for demonstrating a commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) patient-centered care. Both hospitals were recognized as "Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality," a designation given to only 302 hospitals nationwide.

The Equality Leader designation is given to facilities that meet LGBTQ-inclusive benchmarks that are part of the 10^th edition of the HRC Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), which evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. The survey is broken down into four core leader criteria including foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ patient services and support, employee benefits and policies and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. Northwestern Memorial is recognized as an Equality Leader for the sixth consecutive year and Lake Forest Hospital for the fifth consecutive year.

"Fostering an environment that is equitable and inclusive is fundamental to our Patients First mission and this recognition underscores our commitment to providing outstanding care for each and every patient we are privileged to serve," said Julie Creamer, president of Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

In addition to commending each facility's commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ patients and their families, the HEI report also recognized Northwestern Memorial and Lake Forest Hospital for inclusive work environments and employee policies.

"We're honored to again be named as a 'Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality' and proud to have our hospital recognized as an inclusive environment for both our workforce and the patients and families who trust us with their care," said Thomas J. McAfee, president of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.

The hospitals are part of a select group of healthcare facilities nationwide to be named "Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality." Facilities awarded this title are recognized for patient and employee non-discrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents and LGBTQ health education for key staff members.

The HRC Foundation is the educational arm of the country's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. 

The HEI offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.

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SOURCE Northwestern Memorial Hospital

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