External Communications Policy
Purpose
St. John's Rehab Hospital , in the course of delivering its programs and services, has the need to communicate with a wide variety of groups and individuals including, the general public, print and electronic media, government, agencies, other hospitals, networks and associations.
Media interviews are unique opportunities to build the hospital's profile. As a publicly funded organization, we also have a responsibility to respond to requests by the media as completely and quickly as possible.
Definitions
Communications
May include but not be limited to press releases, emails, memos, letters, faxes, speeches and presentations.
At Risk Matters
May include:
- A matter that is, or has the potential to be politically or legally sensitive
- A matter that has, or has the potential to create, public and/or media reaction (e.g. infectious disease outbreak)
Policy
The primary focus of media activities will be to promote the programs and services of St. John's Rehab. The Hospital's Vision, Mission and Values will guide the development of key themes or messages communicated to the media.
St. John's Strategic Communications Staff is responsible for handling general inquiries and responsible for delegating this role when and where appropriate.
All media calls are to be directed to the Manager, Strategic Communications who acts as the media liaison for the hospital. The Manager of Strategic Communications is responsible for seeking corrections for errors that may appear in stories about St. John's. The Official Spokesperson for St. John's Rehab Hospital is the President & CEO. The Official Spokesperson for the Board is the Chair.
It is St. John's policy that when such communication with external stakeholders involve ?at risk matters,? the communications must be reviewed and approved by the President & CEO, in consultation with the Strategic Communications Office, prior to its distribution.
When contacted by the media, St. John's Rehab Hospital Board member will:
- Inform the President & CEO or the Strategic Communications office in a timely manner. A Strategic Communications staff member is available by 24-hour pager.
- The Hospital's designate for ?at risk matters? shall always be the President & CEO or a person delegated by him/her.
- The President & CEO will inform the Board Chair and communicate to the Board in a timely manner regarding ?at risk matters?.
- Alternate spokespersons may include one of the following at the discretion of the President & CEO or Strategic Communications: Board Chair, Designate of Board Chair, Senior Manager, Manager Strategic Communications or a designated clinical specialist.
- No other Board member can speak on behalf of the Board unless authorized by the Board Chair.