Releasing Patient Information
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital's first priority is our patients. Information about our patients is private and confidential, unless it is authorized to be released to the media by the patient, the patient’s family, or the patient's substitute decision maker.
Patient Condition Updates
A one word condition update will be provided to media if the patient’s name is given (i.e. Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital will not release patient names). Only the following terms will be used to describe a patient’s condition:
Good
Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable and indicators are excellent.
Fair
Vital signs give no cause for concern. The patient is conscious and the prognosis is favourable but the patient is uncomfortable or may have minor complications.
Serious
Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious and indicators are unfavorable.
Critical
Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. There are major complications, and indicators are unfavorable. Death may be imminent.
Dead
Media may be informed of the death of a patient whose case has been a matter of public record. The information will only be disclosed after the nursing staff has confirmed that the patient’s family or substitute decision maker has been informed of the patient’s death.
Discharged
Media may be informed of the discharge of a patient whose case has been a matter of public record. Only the word discharged will be given to the media. No other information including the date of discharge will be given.