Children's Mercy Highlighted in Healthcare Equality Index 2013
Kansas City, MO - July, 11, 2013 - Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics has been recognized as a "Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality" in the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization.
"With this designation, we have been recognized for our commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families who can face significant challenges in their health care experiences," said John Cowden MD, MPH, Medical Director of the Office of Equity and Diversity. "This is an important example of our ongoing efforts to provide high quality care for all patients and families."
Children's Mercy has revised its patient and employee discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity, and the hospital system acknowledges both as a protected class. Children's Mercy has also broadened its visitation policy to more inclusive of families in general.Â
Children's Mercy is one of a select group of 464 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality.
Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria for equitable care, including non-discrimination policies for LGBT patients and employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.Â
Children's Mercy was congratulated by HRC Health & Aging Director Shane Snowdon. "LGBT patients deeply appreciate the welcoming environment provided by a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality. It makes a big difference to know that your local healthcare facility is fully committed to giving you the same care it gives your neighbors and co-workers."
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, visit www.hrc.org/hei.
About Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, located in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the nation's top pediatric medical centers. The 354-bed hospital provides care for children from birth through the age of 21, and has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Children's Hospitals." For the third time in a row, Children's Mercy has achieved Magnet nursing designation, awarded to fewer than seven percent of all hospitals nationally, for excellence in quality care. Its faculty of 600 pediatricians and researchers across more than 40 subspecialties are actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research, and educating the next generation of pediatric subspecialists. For more information about Children's Mercy and its research, visit childrensmercy.org or download our mobile phone app CMH4YOU for all phone types. For breaking news and videos, follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
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