When you come to Hershey Medical Center, we are working for you. We know that sincere caring and compassion are as important as clinical excellence. While you are in our care and after you go home, we are here for you.
Care for LGBTQ patients
In June 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services finalized a rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act removing gender identity as a listed, protected category against discrimination. However, Penn State Health will continue to support and provide care to all patients regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has declared that the LBGTQ community is protected from the potential negative impact of the finalized rule.
Be your own advocate
Talk with your care team
The most important member of your care team is you. Talk to the doctors, nurses, social workers and other professionals who provide your care. Let them know any concerns or questions you have. Make sure to:
- Understand the roles of the care team members. Remember, you have a right to ask why someone is in your room.
- Ask questions until you fully understand your care plan and each part of it.
- Ask a family member or loved one to attend rounds with you. This is when the attending doctor and other care team members will come to your room to update you on your condition. The team usually makes rounds between 8 a.m. and noon.
Part of the job of your nurse, care coordinator, patient experience representative and social worker is being your advocate. They’ll look out for your best interests, connect you with resources and support you as you heal.
Know where to get help
If you have questions or concerns that aren’t being addressed, talk to your care coordinator or social worker. Your nurse can tell you how to reach them.
Our Patient Experience liaison can help you talk to your doctors. Call 717-531-6311.
If you have a concern or complaint that is not being resolved, you have several options. Learn more about resolving patient complaints.
Join a support group
Support groups are a way to connect with others who are having similar struggles. You can get moral support and share resources and information. A support group can help you learn how to get the best care - and take care of yourself. Find a support group.
Serve as an advisor
You can help us better serve our patients, their families and the community. We have a wide range of councils and groups that you can join. Learn how to get involved.
Please join the Penn State Health Idea Exchange community!
At Penn State Health, we continually look for ways to better serve patients like you. That’s why we’ve created Penn State Health Idea Exchange an online community of Penn State Health patients and other people just like you. We want your input about our ongoing efforts to engage our patients on healthcare and hospital service decisions, wellness and prevention programs, marketing and advertising materials, and new services and much more.
Give us 5 minutes, so we can give you our best – Join our community today.
The first step to participating is taking an introductory survey for us to get to know you. It only takes 5-10 minutes.
While the community is open to everyone, we have to make sure we have a community ready and willing to participate in and actively engage with us on a range of topics.