LGBTQ+ Affirming Care

Having access to care in a safe environment that is free from discrimination and bias are key elements for positive health outcomes for patients. MultiCare is committed to providing quality, compassionate care to all our patients. and to creating safe, caring spaces for everyone — including our LGBTQ+ communities.

Inclusive Care Improvements

MultiCare has taken a number of steps to ensure our health and wellness services are fully inclusive and respectful of people who identify as LGBTQ+ so that we can meet the needs of all our LGBTQ+ patients and help them live healthy lives. Below you will find a list of the steps we have taken to ensure our care is LGBTQ+ affirming. This list will be updated as we continue to evolve. 

LGBTQ+ Focused Improvements:

• Created all-gender bathrooms in all of our hospitals
• Developed policies and procedures that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ patients and staff
• Implemented screening for all patients’ Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Pronoun use
• Updated our electronic medical records system to be trans inclusive
• Began our MultiCare Rockwood HIV Critical Care Clinic
• Expanded access to gender affirming surgery at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane
• Mary Bridge Children’s Gender Health clinic

In addition to the steps above, MultiCare is engaged in the following work on an ongoing basis: 

• Provide visual statements of our commitment to diversity
• Provide trainings to all staff on LGBTQ+ care
• Participate in the Healthcare Equality Index – an assessment developed by the Human Rights Campaign, and we continue to improve annually
• Partnership with the Rainbow Center in Tacoma to provide additional training and resources to care teams

Healthcare Equality Index

The Healthcare Equality Index is an assessment developed by the Human Rights Campaign for hospitals to ensure high quality care for LGBTQ+ patients. MultiCare has participated in the Healthcare Equality Index since 2019, and we continue to be recognized for our LGBTQ+ care. We are committed to continuing to improve our services and systems for our LGBTQ+ communities. 

HEI scores for MultiCare hospitals can be found on the Human Rights Campaign website.

Find an LGBTQ+ Affirming Provider 

While all providers at MultiCare receive annual training on LGBTQ+ care, others take additional steps to develop their knowledge and understanding of specific LGBTQ+ care issues. MultiCare is working to develop a provider directory for LGBTQ+ patients to be able to find providers who go above and beyond and have been screened to meet additional criteria such as additional medical training, lived experience as an LGBTQ+ person, and more. It’s important to feel understood by your provider, our goal is to connect you with your care team that does just that.