15 Minutes

Look Who’s in the News

When the media calls you
A reporter calls your unit and starts asking questions. What should you do? “Get his or her information, reason for calling and a deadline, then call public affairs” says Brian Downs (right), director of media relations. “We must be especially careful to respond properly if the questions are patient-related because of privacy laws. Don’t get caught up in thinking, ‘This sounds simple enough; I can handle it.’"

The same holds true if a reporter approaches you in the hallway. “Most local media outlets understand they need an escort from or arranged by public affairs inside the hospital,” Downs says.

“But sometimes media members don’t follow protocol. If you’re approached by an unaccompanied reporter, call public affairs and notify security.”

You can reach public affairs at 610-402-0819. After hours, call the page operator and ask for the media person on-call.

Here’s what’s in the news this month:

• The Philadelphia Inquirer, Pottsville Republican-Herald, York Daily Record, and 69 News (WFMZ-TV) reported that Lehigh Valley Hospital MedEvac services resumed from Pottsville’s Mazzuca Helipad.
• The Morning Call, The Express-Times, and 69 News covered the ongoing talks about strategic partnerships with Sacred Heart Hospital.
• The Express-Times recalled NASCAR driver Bobby Allison’s care here following his accident at Pocono Raceway 20 years ago.
• President and chief executive officer Elliot J. Sussman, M.D., was featured in InformationWeek in a story about American Well, a virtual physician consultation service.
• Burn surgeon Dan Lozano, M.D., urged local legislators to reinstate Burn Center funding in the Pennsylvania budget in a Morning Call opinion-editorial.

Read and view our news online. Go to lvh.org/news for the latest media coverage!

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