NutritionRush University Medical Center Only Illinois Hospital To Receive Perfect Rating On Healthcare Equality Index
Rush University Medical Center is the only hospital in Illinois and the only hospital in the Midwest to receive the highest possible rating in the Healthcare Equality Index 2009 (HEI), which is an annual survey that evaluates the nation"s hospitals on their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients, their families and hospital employees.
Rush is only one of ten medical centers in the U.S. participating in the survey that answered "yes" to each of the survey"s main criterion, thereby establishing a set of model policies, standards and training that will serve the entire health care industry as the benchmark for equal treatment for the LGBT community. The HEI, which, this year, rated 166 hospitals nationwide, is a collaboration of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.
"Through all sectors of our medical center and university, our focus is on patient-centered healthcare and education that promote our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion. An important part of this commitment and of our Rush Diversity Leadership Initiative is serving the healthcare needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities and creating a welcoming and supportive environment," said Dr. Larry Goodman, CEO and president of Rush. "We are pleased to be recognized as a "top performer" in the 2009 Healthcare Equality Index Survey."
According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the HEI is the first step toward establishing a nationwide set of standards to reduce discrimination and ensure quality, hospital-based health care.
Key polices and practices addressed in the HEI survey include, model patient visitation policies, advanced health care directives, cultural competency training and employment non discrimination policies.
"While Rush is proud of our HEI score, which reflects our institution"s core values, we are committed to making continuous improvements in both the provision of quality medical care to the LGBT community and ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment for all of our staff at Rush," said Beverly Huckman, associate vice president of equal opportunity at Rush..
Rush University Medical Center