UNION HOSPITAL PRESS CONTACTS

24 Hour Contact

A designated spokesperson is available at all times with the authority to release information to the media.

Day (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Lorrie Heber, Director, Public Relations	(812) 238-7657
Kristi Roshel, Manager, Public Relations	(812) 238-7495

Evening, Night and Weekend

Administrative House Supervisor	(812) 238-7000

The supervisor is limited to providing general information about the injury and condition of the patient.

Union Hospital is a major source of news in the community. At the same time, it is a private institution, and the nature of its services is not only private, but often personal. The legal factors that govern the Hospital's responsibilities and liabilities must be considered in each newsworthy situation, especially those involving patients. The Hospital and the news media share an interest in making sure that news is reported accurately and promptly. In doing so, both must be guided legally and ethically to safeguard the privacy of individuals, so that no involvement with the news media or the Hospital will cause unnecessary embarrassment, discomfort or exploitation to any person. This guide outlines Union Hospital's and Union Hospital Clinton's official media policy for media representatives and Hospital employees.

Union Hospital strives to be a valuable source for you to use for many health-related stories. You are a valuable link in getting important health information to the Wabash Valley and we will always be as accomodating as possible to your requests. We have prepared the following guidelines that will be of help to you:

Employees

Employees are not permitted to answer any questions or release any information to the news media about the Hospital and its patients.

Access to Our Facilities

Media persons are required to make arrangements with Public Relations at (812) 238-7657 before entering Healthgroup property. Interviewing and photographing on Healthgroup property are allowed only with prior consent.

All areas, including the Emergency Department and waiting areas, are private areas. Media persons may not photograph or question persons in these areas without specific consent from the Healthgroup, through Public Relations, and the individual involved.

Please contact Public Relations at (812) 238-7657 before arrival at any of the following locations:

Union Hospital
Union Hospital Clinton

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Information That Can Be Released

If the patient was admitted, released or transferred and the one-word condition description.

Patient Conditions

• GOOD - Vital signs, such as pulse, temperature, and blood pressure are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Patient's outlook for recovery is good or excellent.
• FAIR - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable or may have minor complications. Patient has a favorable outlook.
• SERIOUS - Acutely ill with questionable outlook. Vital signs may be unstable or not within normal limits. A chance for improved outlook.
• CRITICAL - Questionable outlook. Vital signs are unstable or not within normal limits. There are major complications.
• UNDETERMINED - Patient awaiting physician assessment.
• TREATED AND RELEASED - Patient received treatment but was not admitted.
• TREATED AND TRANSFERRED - Patient received treatment and transferred to a different facility.

Verification of Information

Authorized spokespersons always give, to the best of their abilities, verified and accurate information. Information regarding the Healthgroup from patients or unauthorized personnel should always be verified. Call Public Relations at (812)238-7657.

Disaster

In the event of a distater, the Public Relations Department is your contact for information, which will be released via fax and email, with current news added to our website as soon as it is available.

There will be no press access to the hospital during a disaster. If there is a need to release information/interviews from the hospital, you will be notified of the location.

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