For the second time, Lifespan’s four hospitals achieved Top Performer status on the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), a national benchmark of hospitals’ policies and practices related to equitable and inclusive treatment of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation announced March 27 that Rhode Island, The Miriam, Bradley and Newport hospitals had again earned the designation. The Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, has more than 3 million members and supporters.

The HEI was established 11 years ago. It assesses hospitals’ policies and practices regarding non-discrimination and staff training, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement.

“Lifespan is honored to be recognized as an HEI top performer. This distinction reflects Lifespan’s shared values of C.A.R.E. and our commitment to provide a culture of inclusiveness for patients, employees and our community,” said Lisa Abbott, Lifespan’s senior vice president for human resources and community affairs.

“This benchmark not only acknowledges what we’ve accomplished, but propels us to strive for new goals related to maintaining an inclusive culture, which will result in stronger employee engagement and superior patient outcomes.”