Sutter Lakeside offers an all-inclusive health system
LAKEPORT >> Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Clinics recently received recognition as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Healthcare Equality Index; a survey that evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.
“Earning the designation and having received maximum scores in each area is a huge accomplishment for our hospital and clinics. We are proud of this recognition which demonstrates our pledge to equity and inclusion in all aspects of our operations,” said Scott Knight, chief administrative officer of Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “As caregivers, we are always actively seeking tools to help us enhance the care we provide for our patients. We want to ensure it is inclusive and welcoming to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. The Sutter Health network is committed to provide compassionate care to all. Whatever your sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, our team can connect you with the medical services you need.”
Erin Viloria, human resources manager of Sutter Lakeside Hospital added that non-discrimination policy and grievance process are taken seriously — all designed to ensure that patients receive professional, respectful, and timely care during their time at the hospital. “Additionally, we respect the value of relationships and treat patient visitors in accordance. Members of family include spouses, domestic partners, partners in civil union and both different-sex and same-sex significant others, parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins,” she said.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital has also guidelines in place that address the needs of transgender employees, as well as those undergoing a gender affirmation/transition process while employed.
“We support gender-diverse patients wherever they are in their journey. At Sutter Lakeside Medical Practice and Sutter Lakeside Community Clinic, we have family practice, internal medicine, pediatric, and specialty care providers who can help you or your loved one to navigate medical needs specific to gender diversity in a compassionate, safe space. Our providers have the experience and training needed to meet many needs of transgender and gender non-binary patients here in Lake County, but we can also make referrals to providers in the wider Sutter Health network (Sonoma, Marin, and San Francisco counties) for more comprehensive care, such as hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgery,” said Rachel Walsh, interim director of Sutter Lakeside Clinics.
“Many LGBTQ+ have experienced traumatic events or discrimination. We want to ensure access to mental health services is available. In the Sutter Health network, we offer comprehensive assessments and therapy options that fit your lifestyle, including telehealth, which allows you to meet with an expert over phone or video; medication management; and letters to support gender-affirming medical care,” added Walsh.
“Supporting our staff and clinicians with continuing medical education is a core part of our mission to develop our employees throughout their careers with Sutter Health. Few clinicians were taught how to care for LGBTQ+ patients during their medical education, which can make it difficult for those patients to find providers who know how to meet their specific medical needs,” noted Viloria.
To fill that gap, the workforce has access to over 60 different LGBTQ+ training courses, covering topics that range from the basics of LGBTQ+ patient-centered care and cultural competency to more specialized instruction in transgender health, HIV, and sexually transmitted infection treatment and prevention. Courses are offered as interactive e-learning modules (self-paced, ondemand), as well as pre-recorded and live webinars.
“We have implemented a medical records system that includes sexual orientation and gender identity information, along with other demographic data. This allows patients to voluntarily disclose their preferred pronouns and sexual orientation, so our staff can greet them correctly and provide a more tailored healthcare experience,” said Walsh. “We also encourage providers and staff to add a rainbow to their badge to indicate that they are LGBTQ+ inclusive.”