Scottsdale Healthcare Public Relations Department 

The Scottsdale Healthcare Public Relations staff is responsible for working with news media and community organizations to provide information about hospital services and events. 

We can provide many story ideas and assist media with localizing current health news. We can often provide additional information and locate Scottsdale Healthcare medical experts and patients to help with appropriate stories. Please bear in mind that we are also committed to respecting and honoring our patients’ right to privacy. 

Public Relations staff can facilitate media requests and notify hospital security of approved media on campus. A member of the Public Relations staff will accompany media. A signed consent form from the patient (or parent or guardian) must be obtained prior to conducting interviews. 

All news media must request permission through Public Relations staff to conduct interviews with patients, their family members or hospital staff on Scottsdale Healthcare property. This also includes live reporting or photography on site at any Scottsdale Healthcare facility. 

Public Relations Phone Number:  480-882-5900

Email us:  SHCPR@shc.org

Keith Jones Public Relations Director	Alice Giedraitis Public Relations Coordinator

After-Hours Media Calls

After 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, or on weekends and holidays, please call 480-882-4000 and ask the hospital operator to page the on-call Public Relations representative. 

Release of Patient Information

Privacy of patient information is strictly regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly known as HIPAA. 

The following guidelines are used by Scottsdale Healthcare for members of the media seeking information on patient’s condition: 

• Reporters must have the patient’s first and last name to request a condition report. Without a full name, condition information cannot be released.
• A brief condition description is the only information that can be released with a patient’s full name.
• Hospital Public Relations staff must have written consent from the patient (or patient’s parent or guardian) to release additional information.
• Patients (or their parent or legal guardian) have the right to decline condition information and/or interview requests. 

Below are the patient conditions available for news media: 

• Good: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. The 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 questionable. 
• Serious: Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill or injured. Indicators are questionable. 
• Critical: Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable. 
• Deceased: Announcement of death is not routinely made by hospitals. 
• Treated and released: Patient was treated but not admitted to the hospital.