Information for Reporters
All news media inquiries, including requests for patient conditions, must be directed to the Hennepin Healthcare Public Relations Department.
Contact: Christine Hill, Sr. Media Relations Specialist
612.873.5719 (desk), 612.919.8711 (cell), 612.421.0130 (media pager)
Email: [email protected]
News media queries and requests for permission to film or photograph any area of the hospital must be directed to the Public Relations Department by calling 612.919.8711 or the Media Pager at 612.421.0130 (media pager). Patient information is protected by State statutes and HIPAA.
The health of our patients, staff and their families is always our first priority at Hennepin Healthcare. During this COVID-19 pandemic we have faced numerous new challenges, including the difficult decision to limit visitors.
We believe that visiting a loved one in the hospital is something that should be reserved for family members. For that reason, until our visitor restrictions are lifted, we may have to deny requests to conduct interviews in patient care areas.
As soon as the hospital returns to its standard visitor’s policy and family members can visit patients without restrictions, we will resume accommodating routine access requests from reporters and photographers. Thanks for your understanding during this unique time!
Medical resources for your stories
Hennepin Healthcare has nationally recognized medical experts available for interviews on a wide variety of topics. Call Christine Hill at 612.919.8711 to schedule an interview. Every effort will be made to arrange for one of our experts to answer your questions or provide background information for your assignment. (Please note that patient care is our first priority, and occasionally our physicians’ schedules will not allow for interviews.)
Patient Conditions
We understand that you have deadlines, and every effort will be made to get the information you need as soon as possible. Please remember that all requests for patient conditions must include the first and last name of the patient.
Hennepin Healthcare uses the following criteria for determining a patient’s condition:
- Critical – Questionable prognosis. Vital signs unstable, not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious, indicators unfavorable. Major complications and death may be a possibility.
- Serious – Acutely ill with questionable prognosis; vital signs may be unstable, not within normal limits. Indicators questionable, chance for improved prognosis.
- Satisfactory – Excellent or good prognosis. Vital signs (pulse, temp, blood pressure) stable, within normal limits. Patient conscious; may be uncomfortable or experiencing minor complications. Indicators (such as mobility, appetite) excellent.
- Undetermined – The patient is in the process of being evaluated; condition not available.
Patient Interviews
Even if the patient contacts you to make arrangements for an interview, it is still dependent on approval from the medical staff and Public Relations before final arrangements will be made. All reporters must be escorted by a hospital Public Relations representative when on medical center property.
Read Hennepin Healthcare’s Media Policies.
Information for reporters during an emergency event
(create form here)
