Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Named a Leader in Providing Care for LGBT Patients and Families

Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2012 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) has named Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center as a best healthcare facility for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients and families. Cincinnati Children’s is the only free standing pediatric hospital to be honored with the recognition and is the only hospital in the Tri-State to be named as such.

On Tuesday, June 19, the medical center’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Cincinnati Children’s LGBT employee resource group, Human Rights Campaign spokespersons and government officials will be hosting a ceremony to celebrate this distinction.

The HEI measures how healthcare facilities in the United States treat their LGBT patients, employees and families. Measures include policies addressing patient and employment non-discrimination, patient/family visitation, and training in LGBT patient-centered care.

James Page, Assistant Vice President, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, explains that Cincinnati Children’s is committed to treating every family that visits the hospital with respect and dignity. He says this commitment also applies to every employee at the hospital.

“As an organization, Cincinnati Children's recognizes that maintaining an inclusive, family-centered environment directly impacts our ability to provide high-quality, culturally competent care for our diverse patients, and a rewarding work experience for our employees,” he says.

This was the first year that Cincinnati Children’s participated in the HEI survey.

“Our participation in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index gives us an opportunity to share our commitment to providing an extraordinary world-class healthcare experience to everyone who comes through our doors,” says Page.

About Cincinnati Children’s

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center ranks third in the nation in U.S. News and World Report’s 2012 Best Children’s Hospitals ranking. It is ranked #1 for neonatology and in the top 10 for all pediatric specialties. Cincinnati Children’s is one of the top two recipients of pediatric research grants from the National Institutes of Health. It is internationally recognized for improving child health and transforming delivery of care through fully integrated, globally recognized research, education and innovation. Additional information can be found at www.cincinnatichildrens.org