News and Information at Mission Hospital
Mission Hospital is south Orange County’s trauma center, as well
as one of the most respected and technologically advanced hospitals. Media
is frequently inquiring with Mission Hospital as a source of information
and insights on health care. If you are a member of the media, use the
links below to keep current, to establish contact, or to understand our
guidelines for access.
>Media room and press releases.
Helpful Resources & Background Information
Communications & News Media Contacts
24/7 Media On-Call:(949) 230-6852
If you do not receive a call back within 15 minutes, please call the hospital’s
main line at (949) 364-1400, dial 0, and ask for the Media On-Call representative.
Interview, Photography & Live Shot Requests
Public Affairs must approve requests for interviews and photographs with
patients, physicians or employees at Mission Hospital before scheduling.
Public Affairs will request written consent from the interviewee and accompany
news media at all times in Mission Hospital facilities.
Patient Condition Reports
Interpreting One-Word Patient Condition Reports
A patient condition report describes a patient's medical condition in general
terms. The term “stable” is not an accurate description of
a patient’s condition and therefore should not be used.
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Undetermined - Patient is awaiting physician assessment or is currently being evaluated
by a physician.
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Good - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious
and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
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Fair - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious,
but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
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Serious - Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is
acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
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Critical - Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be
unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
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Death - Patient's death can be released only after the family is notified and
after permission is granted from the family's legal representative.
Patient Information Requests
Under HIPAA*, news media must provide the patient's name before the release
of any patient information. Our responsibility, first and foremost, is
to our patients, and this responsibility includes protecting a patient’s
privacy. Public Affairs will not release information about:
- Patients who request that no information be released.
- Patients who are involved in domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, child/elderly
abuse, chemical dependency or attempted suicide.
- Patients in danger as determined by law enforcement officials.
- Patients who are under age 18, without a parent or legal guardian's written consent.
- Patients discharged who have not given written consent.
*All policies are in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act's privacy rule and the American Hospital Association's
"Guide for the Release of Information on the Condition of Patients."