We are dedicated to providing media professionals with key pediatric health information and timely access to our experts.
Media Policies
Media Inquiries
All media contact with patients, families, physicians or staff must be directed through the Public Relations department. A representative is available 24 hours a day to assist with media inquiries.
Call 901.287.6030 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 901.287.6001 for after-hours requests.
Campus Visits
Please remember that Le Bonheur is private property. To protect patient privacy, media representatives must be accompanied by a member of the Public Relations team while on the Le Bonheur campus. Our Security team strictly enforces the visitor policy and holds the right to determine admission to the hospital. Please display media credentials and badges clearly for security purposes.
Media are welcome to film outside on sidewalks at any time. As a courtesy, we ask that you notify Public Relations beforehand, so we can assist photographers.
Patient Confidentiality
Le Bonheur abides by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines. Because of laws enforced by HIPAA, media seeking patient condition reports must have the first and last name of the patient when inquiring about a patient. With a patient’s first and last name – and consent from the patient’s parent or guardian -- the Public Relations team can release a one-word description of a patient’s condition, as outlined in HIPAA guidelines.
Approved by HIPAA, definitions for patient conditions include the following:
- 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 intubated or unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
We strive to protect the confidentiality of our patients and their families. We also understand the media’s duty to keep the public informed and will make every effort to accommodate requests for information. We reserve the right to refuse interview or photography requests during police investigations, when a family requests privacy or if a patient’s confidentiality is being compromised.
