Eisenhower Hospital Named Leader Among LGBT Care

Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage has been named a "Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality" in a survey by the Human Rights Campaign, the hospital announced Thursday.

The list of leaders was published in the Healthcare Equality Index, an annual survey conducted by the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, a national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy group. Eisenhower was the only Coachella Valley medical complex listed in the 464 health care facilities nationwide as Leaders in LGBT Healthcare.

"To achieve that means providing equal treatment to each and every patient and employee. Being recognized as a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality underscores Eisenhower Medical Center's commitment to not only our patients and staff, but also to the LGBT community in the Coachella Valley," Eisenhower executive vice president and chief operating officer Martin Massiello said.

To be named a leader in the survey, facilities have to meet criteria including non-discrimination policies for LGBT patients and employees, an equal visitation guarantee for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for staff members, according to the survey and Eisenhower.

Health care organizations register to be part of the survey, according to the Human Rights Campaign's website.

The Healthcare Equality Index 2013 survey and list of leaders are posted at www.hrc.org/hei.

—City News Service