Newark, New Jersey – University Hospital has been recognized as a “Top Performer in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation in their 2019 Healthcare Equality Index. This is the second consecutive year that University Hospital has been recognized in the index as a Top Performer. University Hospital earned top marks for prioritizing patient and employee non-discrimination policies and training.
The HRC is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, and its Foundation works to increase understanding, and encourage the adoption, of LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. Their annual Health Equality Index is a national survey tool that is intended to help LGBTQ patients and their loved ones find facilities that provide equitable and inclusive care.
“At University Hospital, we live and breathe equity in our care. In particular, our team at University Hospital believes that LGBTQ patients deserve high-quality, respectful care. We are proud to be recognized for the work that our staff does in ensuring that our LGBTQ community’s needs are met,” said Dr. Shereef Elnahal, President and CEO of University Hospital.
University Hospital is also proud to be home to the Rutgers Center for Transgender Health, which successfully performed the first male to female and female to male gender reassignment surgeries in the state. This collaborative center offers a full spectrum of medical, psychiatric, and surgical care for transgender individuals, in order to provide a compassionate and coordinated approach to gender affirmation. The hospital also recently formed a Diversity and Inclusion Committee to lead LGBTQ initiatives, including research initiatives on issues affecting the LGBTQ community.
“It is important to us that our hospital takes a holistic approach in providing care and services that goes beyond the hospital’s walls,” said Dr. Franklin Hickey, Chair of University Hospital’s LGBTQIA Committee. “The Healthcare Equality Index designation is an honor that reflects University Hospital’s continuous and ongoing efforts to be an inclusive health care institution, and we are committed to meeting the needs of all members of our community.”