October 11, 2002

Helping MGHers work with the media: 2002 media guidelines

As a nationally recognized leader in health care, teaching and research, the MGH attracts significant media attention. While the MGH Public Affairs Office is directly responsible for overseeing the hospital's media relations program, each member of the MGH community plays an important role. To assist the Public Affairs Office, employees and staff are asked to follow the media guidelines outlined below:

• MGHers are encouraged to refer all media calls to the Public Affairs Office (617-726-2206) at the earliest opportunity. A Public Affairs representative is available 24 hours a day (pager # 28383) through the hospital page operator (617-726-2066). In addition, Georgia Peirce, director of media relations, is available by pager (#22345), and Peggy Slasman, chief public affairs officer, also is available by pager (# 28385).
  
• Patient confidentiality is the highest priority at the MGH. Any patient information released to the media should be provided by the Public Affairs Office. Generally, Public Affairs staff members release only a one-word condition--good, fair, serious or critical--in accordance with the American Hospital Association guidelines. No other information is released without the consent of the patient and/or family members.
• If employees or staff have an existing relationship with a member of the press and agree to an interview, they are encouraged to inform the Public Affairs Office as soon as possible. Knowing about media activity enables the Public Affairs staff to track and report any resulting news coverage.
• To ensure patient confidentiality and privacy, all members of the media, film crews or photographers coming onto hospital property with a camera of any type--still or video--must be accompanied by a Public Affairs staff member. The Public Affairs representative will obtain the necessary clearances and consents. Public Affairs must be informed and involved in advance of all shoots, including those for promotional or training videos and matters unrelated to the MGH.
• Researchers who learn that a paper has been accepted for publication by a peer-reviewed journal should contact the Public Affairs as soon as possible to discuss appropriate strategies for communicating the information. Such scientific publications often present opportunities for media coverage. Embargoes are always honored.

The Public Affairs staff is experienced in handling a vast range of media issues and is available to assist any MGH employee. For more information about the hospital's media program, contact the Public Affairs Office at (617) 726-2206.