Administrators at Muncie, Ind.’s, Ball Memorial Hospital have responded to a transgender woman’s complaint by saying that the facility plans to correct problems she experienced, according to a press release from Indiana Equality (IE).
On July 18, transgender woman Erin Vaught went to Ball’s emergency room, accompanied by her wife and their son, seeking treatment for what she suspected was a lung infection. According to the Muncie Star Press, staff members repeatedly degraded Vaught. At one point, Vaught’s wife was allegedly asked by a nurse, “So is it a he or a she? Or a he-she?” In the end, after a two-hour wait without any medical treatment, Vaught was told “we don’t know how to go about treating someone with your condition,” referring to her gender history.
Hospital President/CEO Mike Hale said the hospital is working with Indiana Equality and the Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance to review its policies, training and employee benefits. Hospital officials also plan to install a diversity council.
“My family and I are overwhelmed by the positive support we’ve received online and in person from individuals, blogs, and advocacy groups,” said Vaught in the press release. “I never expected that so many people cared so deeply about my wellbeing and about adequate health care for the transgender community. I am excited to be working with INTRAA [Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance], IE, and Ball Memorial management to address what happened to me and to improve health care services for everyone in the Muncie area. My fondest wish is that this tragedy leads to better health care and deeper understanding.”