CHOP named industry leader in LGBT healthcare equality

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia isn’t just one of the region’s biggest healthcare assets and employers. It’s also one of the most progressive hospitals in the country in terms of LGBT healthcare.

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rightsorganization, named CHOP as an “LGBTHealthcare Equality Leader” in its Healthcare Equality Index or HEI.The annualrecognition is the hospital’s second in a row, CHOP said in a statement.

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The hospital explained that it earned accolades in four specific areas: patient non-discrimination, equality of family visitation, employment non-discrimination and training in LGBT patient-centered care. That last designation means CHOP’s employees have what’s known as cultural competency in terms of engaging with LGBTpatients and families.

In other words, CHOP knows about the unique needs that exist forLGBT patients and families.

Calling the designation a “tremendous honor,” CHOP’s president and CEO Madeline Bell said it “reaffirms our commitment to the continued development of programming and resources unique to our LGBT communities.”

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The HRC explained that the HEI is an online survey that not only recognizes what’s going right in the healthcare industry but also assists in making improvements, too.

“We commend the leadership of each and every healthcare facility that is taking action to enhance the care they provide to LGBT patients and their families,” said HRC President Chad Griffin in a statement. “HRC applauds The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for creating an inclusive environment for all of its patients.”