Patient condition updates and interview requests

The Communications team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) can liaise with members of the media on patients of interest by:

• providing the patient's current condition
• facilitating requests for interview where appropriate

Patient conditions

When providing a patient condition update, we categorise the condition using the following descriptions: 

• Stable
• Serious
• Critical

Information we need from you

To provide a condition, we need sufficient details and information to be sure we are referring to the same person. This may include:

• name
• gender and approximate age
• location of incident (suburb, street or freeway name)
• time of incident, or time brought to hospital
• nature of injuries (upper body, lower body, head)
• condition the patient was brought to us in (stable, serious, critical)

If our team is able to locate and verify the patient for you, we will provide the patient's condition. However, we are not able to provide or confirm any other details.

Where we can't provide an update

Our team does not have access to patient medical records or information. While we will do our best to provide an update, there are multiple instances where we may not be able to, such as where:

• the information provided isn't accurate or specific enough to confirm the patient's identity
• the patient or next of kin has requested that we do not release a condition
• the patient is in transit, in theatre or unable to be accurately assessed by our ward staff at the time
• there is a risk to the patient's safety
• the patient is high-profile and an update may impact their privacy and safety
• the patient is no longer in our care (for example, they have been discharged, transferred elsewhere or are deceased)

In some instances, we may advise you to call back later. However, due to patient privacy, we cannot always specify a reason for declining a condition update.

Patient or family interview requests

All interviews that will take place on the RMH property must be requested through the RMH Communications team.

Please be aware:

• Our team will not approach a patient or their relatives for any media opportunities within the first 24 hours of admission. This is to our patients and staff to focus on treatment and recovery.
• After 24 hours, we are guided by the patient's treating team, as well as the wishes of the patient and their family.