Public Statement from Union Health in Response to the FTC's Report on the Proposed Merger with Regional Hospital

Union Health is a major source of news in the community. At the same time, it is a private institution, and the nature of its services is not only private but often personal. The legal factors that govern the organizations' responsibilities and liabilities must be considered in each newsworthy situation, especially those involving patients.

The health system and the news media share an interest in ensuring news is reported accurately and promptly. In doing so, both must be guided legally and ethically to safeguard the privacy of individuals so that no involvement with the news media or the health system will cause unnecessary embarrassment, discomfort or exploitation to any person. This guide outlines Union Hospital's and Union Hospital Clinton's official media policy for media representatives and hospital employees.

Union Hospital strives to be a valuable source for you to use for many health-related stories. You are a valuable link in getting important health information to the Wabash Valley and we will always be as accommodating as possible to your requests.

Employees

Employees are not permitted to answer any questions or release any information to the news media about the hospital and its patients.

Access to Our Facilities

Media persons are required to make arrangements with Public Relations at 812.238.7657 before entering hospital property. Interviewing and photographing on hospital property are allowed only with prior consent. All areas, including the Emergency Department and waiting areas, are private. Media persons may not photograph or question persons in these areas without consent from the hospital, through Public Relations, and the individual involved.

Contact Public Relations at 812.238.7657 before arrival at any of the following locations:

• Union Hospital
• Union Hospital Clinton
• Any Union Medical Group facility

A one-word condition description may be released for an admitted patient at Union Hospital Terre Haute or Union Hospital Clinton.

Patient Conditions

GOOD - Vital signs such as pulse, temperature and blood pressure are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious and comfortable, and the outlook for recovery is good or excellent.

FAIR - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable or have minor complications. The patient has a favorable outlook.

SERIOUS - Acutely ill with questionable outlook. Vital signs may be unstable or not within normal limits, but the patient has an improved outlook.

CRITICAL - Questionable outlook. Vital signs are unstable or not within normal limits, and there continue to be major complications.

UNDETERMINED - The patient is still awaiting physician assessment.

No Information Patients

• If you are a patient who chooses to be a "No Information Patient," zero information will be released about your hospital stay. In addition, no phone calls will be transferred, and no visitors will be directed to your room. Should any family members, friends, clergy or news media inquire about you during your hospital stay, the hospital will not release any of the following:
• Your name, address, age or sex.
• Your room number.
• Your phone number in the hospital.
• Information on your condition.

If a patient should decide they would prefer to change their "No Information" status, contact the Admitting Department at extension 4928.

Verification of Information

Authorized spokespersons always give, to the best of their abilities, verified and accurate information. Information regarding the health system from patients or unauthorized personnel should always be verified. Call Public Relations at 812.238.7657.

Disaster

In the event of a disaster, Public Relations is your direct contact for any information. The most up-to-date news will be disseminated as necessary.

There will be no press access to any Union Health facility during a disaster; however, if the need arises, a press center may be established on the health system campus.