For the Media
Members of the media interested in conducting interviews or taking photographs of staff, patients, or patients' families must request permission from the Banner Thunderbird Public Relations staff. This includes visits to Banner Thunderbird Medical Center for live stand-ups and other external shots on the campus.
Banner Thunderbird Public Relations Staff
- Jeff Nelson, Public Relations Director
(602) 865-5771
e-mail - Barry Iselin, Public Relations Specialist
(602) 865-5779
e-mail
After Business Hours, Weekends or Holidays
After 5 p.m. and on weekends or holidays, media should call the on-call PR specialist at 602-492-4770..
|
|
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.
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 Thunderbird 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.)
