Dealing with the Media

Abstract

Dear AfPP

We have recently had an incident where members of the press contacted theatres directly requesting information relating to a high profile patient who was undergoing emergency surgery. As the incident happened at night when there was minimal staff throughout the whole hospital, we were unable to access the usual resources for dealing with press enquiries. The incident has created discussion among staff as to how a similar incident should be dealt with in future, and also in relation to professional codes of conduct and patient confidentiality. We are also aware that one of our consultant surgeons wishes to involve the media in filming an operative procedure and we are concerned about this proposal. Can AfPP advise on these issues?

Anxious from Aberdeen