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| Handling the Media Policy |
| Written by Head of Communications | ||||
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NHS organisations are subject to continual media enquiries, almost on a daily basis. Rarely a day goes by in the UK without a story hitting the media about either the wider NHS or individual organisations. It is therefore essential for each organisation to have a policy in place for responding to media enquiries, not only to ensure the reputation of the NHS and individual organisations are upheld but also to safeguard patients and staff. Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust recognises that effective media relations are essential for public sector organisations which are publicly funded and therefore rightly the subject of considerable media scrutiny. Not only do we have a duty to be publicly accountable, honest and transparent; we have other responsibilities which are better discharged if a productive and professional working relationship with the media exists. These include: providing accurate information about our services, dealing with major incidents and providing important advice to patients and the wider community – for instance, in the event of a significant outbreak of communicable disease in the community or within our premises. By media this policy refers to the printed press, broadcast (radio, TV and film), online and news agencies. Enquiries may be from local, regional and national media (and in the event of a major incident could even be by international media).
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 01 April 2010 11:17 ) |
