Gay-friendly. It's not something most normally consider when choosing a hospital. According to a survey by the Human Rights Campaign, some area medical centers were recognized for their equality efforts, according to data released Tuesday by the national gay-rights organization.
The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) rates hospitals on how well they protect LGBT patients and employees from discrimination and how well key staffers are trained on LGBT issues including visitation rights by same-sex partners. The numbers are encouraging, said HRC president Chad Griffin, whose organization surveyed 407 hospitals this year.
"At no time are we more vulnerable than when we're lying on an emergency room gurney," Griffin said. "One's sexual orientation or gender identity should never affect the medical care they receive."
Howard University Hospital was named a leader in this field by HRC last year.
"Patient-centered care is a universal standard that is expected of all healthcare providers," Provost Dr. Wayne Frederick said.
Shady Grove and Washington Adventist in Maryland, George Washington, Georgetown and Sibley in the District were among the local hospitals being similarly honored this year. None of the hospitals in northern Virginia has ever participated in the survey dispite invitations from the HRC to do so.
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