“It was important as a trusted healthcare organization that we not only welcome everyone to receive quality care at Carle Health, but we have a designation that demonstrates that we have the processes and culture in place that can truly deliver on that promise,” Theresa Green, MSN, Patient Experience director said. “The HEI designation is an important symbol to both our patients and team members that Carle Health is a safe and affirming place to give and receive care. It reinforces our mission and values to offer individualized care to everyone we serve.”
The HEI promotes inclusive policies and affirming practices in healthcare facilities and formally recognizes hospitals that lead the field in LGBTQ+ inclusion. This biennial survey rates hospitals and healthcare facilities on policies and best practices in LGBTQ+ patient-centered care in four key areas:
- Non-discrimination and staff training
- Patient services and support
- Employee benefits and policies
- Patient and community engagement
“Healthcare is so personal and we know there is a complex history that many underserved communities have with the larger healthcare industry. That’s why in addition to our focus on offering team members education and resources while working with community partners to update clinical practices to better address inequalities, benchmarks like HEI help us asses opportunities for growth and to build on what’s going well,” Amy Delaney, PhD, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion director said. “At Carle Health, we want every team member to bring their individuality and full selves to work so we can help every community member we can in a way that supports their health best.”
Carle Health continues to take action to improve the care and experience of all patients. Our individual and inclusive approach to supporting those we serve, along with the level of quality and expertise our care teams offer, is unlike any other healthcare provider in the region.
To learn more about the life-saving and compassionate care at Carle Health, visit carle.org.
Categories: Redefining Healthcare
Tags: and, Awards, Campaign, care, Diversity, Equity, Foundation, Health, Healthcare, Human, Inclusion, inclusive, Index, LGBTQ, Recognition, Redefining, Rights