Contact: Tim Donovan
608-280-7030
or 608-256-1901 ext. 11011
Madison VA Hospital recognized
nationally as LGBT leader
MADISON, Wis. — William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital 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.
The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2014, an annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans, and recognizes healthcare institutions doing the best work.
The Madison VA Hospital earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.
“We are proud of the quality care we provide to all veterans and we’re especially pleased to be recognized for the equality of top-notch care we provide to LGBT patients who are among our nation’s treasured veterans,” said Judy McKee, director of the Madison VA Hospital.
The Madison VA Hospital was one of a select group of 426 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title 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 key staff members.
“Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality change the lives of LGBT patients and their families for the better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, HRC president. “LGBT people should be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates William S. Middleton Memorial Hospital for their tireless work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”
The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2014, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital is a Madison-based 129-bed facility that provides health care for about 40,000 veterans who live in a 13,600 square mile primary service area comprising 15 counties in south central Wisconsin and five in northwestern Illinois. The hospital also operates an annex primary care clinic in Madison and community-based outpatient clinics in Baraboo, Beaver Dam and Janesville, Wis., and in Rockford and Freeport, Ill.
The main hospital includes 85 acute care beds, 18 beds in the hospital’s residential rehabilitation treatment program, and a community living center provides an additional 26 beds for sub-acute transitional care, rehabilitation, and hospice care.
The total veteran population in the Madison VA Hospital’s primary service area is more than 120,000.
For more information about the Madison VA Hospital, visit www.madison.va.gov or www.facebook.com/
