Politics & Government

Sutter Gets LGBT Treatment Top Honors

The Live Oak medical facility is among the best in the country for its treatment of LGBT patients and staff.

An increasing number of hospitals across the country are giving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients equal treament, according to a report released this week by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Every year, the HRC conducts its Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) study, which examines hospitals and healthcare facilities for their treatment of LGBT patients. The 2012 results show a 40 percent increase in positively-rated facilities and a 162 percent increase in facilities given a perfect score, labeled "Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality."

Included in that upper echelon is Live Oak's Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center on Soquel Drive. After not appearing on the 2011 HEI report at all, Sutter in Santa Cruz is one of 234 facilities nationwide given the top honor.

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There are four criteria that must be met to receive a perfect score: patient non-descrimination, equal visitation, employment non-descrimination and training in LGBT care. To view the full report, click here.

While Sutter has made its debut on the HEI, Dominican Hospital is noticeably absent. 

Find out what's happening in Capitola-Soquelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Just a few short years ago the healthcare industry wasn’t having conversations about LGBT healthcare equality,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Now, thanks to advocacy by the LGBT community and some standout leaders, growing numbers of healthcare providers are making an explicit commitment to treat all patients with dignity and respect. The healthcare industry is beginning to heed the call for fairness and compassion.”

What do you think of the results? Surprised to see Sutter but not Dominican on the list? Tell us in the comments!


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