Nemours celebrates LGBT Healthcare Equality designation

On Monday afternoon, acceptance, equality and diversity were at the forefront of a celebration held at Nemours/Alfred I. du Pont Hospital for Children.

Last October, the hospital was one of 426 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

“Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality change the lives of LGBT patients and their families for the better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, HRC president.  “LGBT people should be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates Nemours for their tireless work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”

Fellow recipient Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who was also at Monday’s ceremony, lamented that often times, LGBT families and patients still face concerns over whether or not a hospital staff will be fully welcoming to patients.

“This designation that Nemours/AI DuPont Hospital for Children received is a welcome reminder that we as Delawareans are accepting to all families,” Coons said.

Coons also thanked the leadership at Nemours for making sure that its staff and employees who interact with patients and families are fully grounded in those values.

“Not just of tolerance, but inclusion, and not just inclusion, but in celebration and recognition that God's chorus sings with a wide range of voices,” Coons said.

According to Nemours communications director Steven Maurer, the hospital established an Office of Health Equity and Inclusion in 2012 that has earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families.

“We are proud of this recognition by the HRC,” said Paul Kempinski, Operational Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “It is an acknowledgement of the individual care and dignity that we offer to each child. We respect every family's perspectives and address their needs, concerns, beliefs, opinions, and feelings.”

The foundation’s findings were part of its Healthcare Equality Index 2014, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans, and recognizes healthcare institutions doing the best work.

According to the HRC, the Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities “unique and powerful resources” designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2014, or to download a free copy of the report, visit hrc.org/hei.