Public Relations

The Banner Estrella Public Relations staff is responsible for building relationships with community and media organizations in an effort to provide information about medical services and events. We recognize that media is an important communication link, but understand the need to protect patient privacy.

For more information, click on one of the following links:

• Media Requests for Interviews or Photographs
• Release of Patient Information
• Patient Condition Classifications
• Public Relations Staff/Weekend and holiday hours
• Looking for an expert?
• Connect with us via Twitter and Facebook

Release of Patient Information
The Public Relations staff processes patient update requests from media with the utmost regard for a patient's right to confidentiality guaranteed by the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the dissemination of consistent, accurate information. Information released to the media will be to the extent permitted by federal and state laws.

Information about the condition of an inpatient, outpatient, or emergency department patient may be released only if the inquiry specifically contains the patient's name.

A patient's or employee's individual wishes for privacy or to participate in media coverage are foremost in this policy. A patient, or the person authorized to give consent, can opt out of providing information altogether.

For more details regarding our policy on providing patient information or other hospital related requests, please contact us.

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Patient Condition Classifications

Treated and Released
The patient has been treated by the hospital and has been released.

Good
Vital signs (heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, temperature) are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are good.

Fair
Vital signs (heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, temperature) are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are good.

Serious
Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.

Critical
Vital signs are unstable or not within normal limits. The patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.

Deceased
Death has occurred. (Note: Banner Estrella may disclose a patient's death as a general condition assessment, but may not give out the date, time, or cause of death without permission.)

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Public Relations Staff

Tiffany Tcheng
Public Relations Specialist
(623) 327-7168

After Hours, Weekends or Holidays
For assistance after hours (between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m.), and on weekends, or holidays, media should call the hospital operator at (623) 327-4000 and ask for the on-call Public Relations staff member.

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Looking for an expert? Our staff can help you connect with one of Banner Estrella's top doctors. Contact our office at (623) 327-7168.

Banner Estrella recognizes the importance of media communication, but supports the need to protect patient privacy. Our goal is to help you find the best sources for your story, on deadline.
 
Specifically, the Public Relations staff assists journalists by:

• Distributing news releases, advisories and PSAs via fax, mail or e-mail
• Coordinating on-camera and phone interviews with experts from
• Banner Estrella Medical Center and/or Banner Health
• Offering b-roll and photographs to accompany stories, as available
• Arranging on-site logistics for visiting news crews
• Providing one-word condition reports on current patients
• Background information on the hospital and faculty

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Connect with us via Twitter and Facebook

Follow us on Twitter for breaking news and story ideas! @BannerEstrella

Become a fan of Banner Estrella Medical Center on Facebook!

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