Yale New Haven Hospital recognized as a leader in LGBT healthcare equality

NEW HAVEN, CT – Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) has been recognized as a leader in LGBT healthcare equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. Bridgeport and Greenwich hospitals, also part of Yale New Haven Health System, earned the same honor.

The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equity Index 2016, an annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees. 

 "We are committed to providing compassionate, patient-and family-centered care to every member of the diverse population we are privileged to serve, and we are honored to be recognized for that commitment,” said Kevin A. Myatt, senior vice president, human resources, Yale New Haven Health System. 

Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality 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.

Yale New Haven Hospital was one of a select group of 496 healthcare facilities, which also included Bridgeport and Greenwich Hospitals, nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Organizations must meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for staff members. 

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

Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), part of Yale New Haven Health, is a nationally recognized, 1,541-bed, not-for-profit hospital serving as the primary teaching hospital for the Yale School of Medicine (YSM). Founded as the fourth voluntary hospital in the U.S. in 1826, today, YNHH has two New Haven-based campuses, and also includes Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital and Smilow Cancer Hospital. YNHH has received Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence. YNHH has a combined medical staff of about 4,500 university and community physicians practicing in more than 100 specialties. www.ynhh.org