Media Policy
Media Relations Policy and Procedure at
Midwest Medical Center and Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community
Purpose
Promotion of the activities, services and accomplishments of Midwest Medical Center (MMC) are key in establishing our reputation as a leading healthcare provider to the general public, our employees and the physicians and allied health professionals we serve. The media plays an important role in shaping the public's opinion, the image of the organization and an understanding of the role of Midwest Medical Center, its health clinic, specialty practices, health and fitness center and senior care community plays in the community. The media also plays a key role in providing information about health care issues in general. It is important therefore, that promotion and media relations be conducted in a coordinated, professional manner to ensure specific information is presented clearly and in a way that is consistent with the corporate identity of Midwest Medical Center. To effectively welcome the media to the hospital, Midwest Medical Center has established the following guidelines for arranging
interviews, videotaping sessions and photo opportunities.
Guidelines for the Media
Reporters must pre-arrange their visits to the Midwest Medical Center and Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community Campus. Advance notice of on-site interviews is necessary so that MMC staff can arrange for a room for media interviews or shoots, notify the patient care areas involved and line up the appropriate patients, families and MMC staff for the story, as well as obtain the necessary patient release forms. Even if family members consent to speaking with the media, permission from the hospital is required if that interview is to take place within the hospital or on hospital grounds. The hospital reserves the right to decline media interviews when there is a medical or other justification. An authorized MMC staff member must accompany all media while on MMC premises. Prior to their visit, reporters must provide their name, title and news media affiliation, including contact telephone numbers, email and mailing addresses.
Reporters must also provide a description of the story they seek to report on or develop, including providing a list of individuals they wish to contact for interview. Reporters are asked to use the complete name of the organization (Midwest Medical Center or Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community) when reporting in print, radio, or as captioned for television for broadcast or when referring to the hospital staff in a print or broadcast story. On second reference the hospital may be referred to as the MMC; however, in the case of Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community, the complete name must appear.
It is the responsibility of the MMC to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all patients. MMC must confirm patients have given their written consent prior to being interviewed, photographed or filmed by the media, other external agencies and the hospital's internal staff. In the case of a patient younger than 14 years of age, written consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian. In the case of a child younger than 14 years of age who is under youth protection OR a child 14 years of age or older but who is deemed mentally incompetent, written consent must be obtained from the appropriate legal authority. If a minor child is not comfortable with the process it will be stopped. MMC will keep signed consent forms on file in compliance with the applicable privacy legislation and with the MMC Media Policy and Confidentiality Program.
Hospital Policy
The corporate spokesperson for the MMC and the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community is first the CEO. In their absence, the DNO, CFO or Director of Human Resources, as well as the external communications agency on record. The communications agency managing MMC’s public relations will coordinate all media relations and promotional activities. If the media contacts a member of MMC, these calls will be forwarded and prompt and appropriate arrangements will be made to respond to the request. The contact number for Impact Communications, Inc. is toll free 1-888-684-6722.
MMC and its communications representatives will prepare and distribute all information to the media pertaining to the MMC, including press releases and media advisories. When an external partner, funding body or non-designated communications agency wishes to prepare information for release to the media related to an MMC or Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community activity, permission must be pre-authorized by MMC. MMC must also approve the final product prior to release. Any material prepared by a funding body or communications agency pertaining to MMC or its entities’ activities must include the appropriate logos and must refer to MMC staff by their hospital title.
MMC communications designees will work with hospital personnel, physicians and staff to prepare all communications related to their activities. The parties concerned will have final approval for all communications related to their work. Members of MMC who wish to publicize events or activities should contact the designated communications representative for support and advice, and follow the guidelines for the use of the logo and identity. MMC has the authority to approve or reject proposed promotional activities. All uses of the MMC name and logo for external promotion must be authorized by MMC.
MMC Media Policy 9/07
