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The Public Relations department at Heritage Valley Health System is the communications link to the news media.

A department representative is available to assist all news media with questions about a hospitals, patients, locating specialists, spokesperson, or obtaining more information about a news release or event.

Policies and Procedures

Please contact Public Relations for assistance with interviews of hospital staff, physicians or patients. A staff member from the Public Relations Department must accompany all reporters and photographers while on hospital property.

Definition of Patient Conditions

The Public Relations staff is only permitted to release a patient’s one-word condition. Below are the American Hospital Association approved conditions:

Undetermined – Patient is awaiting assessment.

Good – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.

Fair – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.

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

Critical – Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.

Every patient has the right to “opt out” of the hospital’s patient directory. If this is chosen, the patient has expressed that he or she does not want information released – including confirmation of his or her presence in the facility.