Media Policy

Welcome to the WRH Health System’s Media Center.  Information provided here includes contact information for our public relations staff, our policy regarding the release of patient information, a definition for the terminology we use to describe a patient’s condition as well as recent news releases. 

Contact Information
Elizabeth Winter
Director of Public Relations & Marketing
330-334-2828
330-334-2898 (FAX)
bethw@wrhhs.org

When information is required on nights or weekends, media representatives should call 330-334-1504 and ask for the Nursing Supervisor.  The Nursing Supervisor can provide patient information as described below or arrange to contact the Public Relations director for other information as needed.

Release of Patient Information

WRH Health System’s first responsibility is to the health and welfare of the patient. The patient has always had specific legal rights to privacy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) confirmed those rights, setting forth standards that hospitals must follow with regard to the release of patient information.

First, information may only be released to those who ask about a patient by name.  Then, providing the patient has chosen to be listed in the patient directory, the hospital may provide a condition report, using the terminology listed below, and the patient’s location within the hospital, provided that information does not reveal prohibited information.

Condition of Patient
Only a physician can determine the patient's diagnosis and/or prognosis. Most physicians in hospitals use the following terms to describe a patient's condition:

Undetermined - Patient currently being evaluated.

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.

Deceased/Coroner's Cases - The death of a patient, while considered a matter of public record under Ohio law, is considered protected health information under HIPAA. Thus, the condition of death may be released for expired patients who have not opted out of the directory if we have first notified the next of kin.  Information regarding the cause of death must come from the patient's physician and the legal representative of the deceased must approve the release of the information.  In the event that the county coroner is investigating a death, questions about the cause of death must be addressed to that public office.