Building on its strong diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, all of WellSpan’s hospitals are now recognized as healthcare equality high performers by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) for policies, programs and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-plus team members, patients, and visitors. WellSpan York Hospital first earned this recognition in 2022, with this latest achievement extending across the entirety of the health system.
“This prestigious recognition is a true testament to our unwavering dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive care environment for all individuals, including the wonderfully diverse LGBTQIA+ community in South Central Pennsylvania,” said Kim Brister, vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “We are proud to be recognized for our efforts in extending this important effort across the health system as part of our mission to provide exceptional care for all.”
WellSpan Health has a decades-long history of delivering safe, high-quality, and affirming healthcare to our LGBTQIA+ community. In recent years, services have expanded to more than 35 providers across the regions we serve in South Central Pennsylvania who deliver a range of gender-affirming healthcare services including case management, hormone prescribing in primary care settings, therapy and letters, obstetric care, fertility, and surgeries.
“We are dedicated to delivering the safest, most affirming care as a trusted partner to the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Dr. D. Scott McCracken, clinical lead for WellSpan’s LGBTQIA+ Steering Committee. “By holding ourselves accountable to the HRC’s rigorous standards we can ensure LGBTQIA+ affirming policies and practices are aligned cross our caregiving team, so that every patient feels welcome and well cared for at WellSpan.”
WellSpan hospitals earned the designation by achieving 85 points out of 100 in the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey. The Healthcare Equality Index evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
Foundational policies and training in LGBTQIA+ patient-centered care.
LGBTQIA+ patient services and support.
Employee benefits and policies.
Patient and community engagement.
About WellSpan Health
WellSpan Health’s vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,000 employed providers, 220 locations, eight award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving South Central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. With a team 20,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 2,600 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest.
Source: wellspan.org