Information for Journalists

Information for Journalists FAQs

How can I contact Methodist Health System public relations?

The fastest way to reach a member Methodist Health System public relations team is through text message or email. You can also call (214) 947-4600to be directed to the appropriate representative.

How can I get permission to be on a Methodist Health System campus?

Camera crews are required to be escorted by a member of the PR team. If a marked news vehicle is ever on a Methodist campus, please notify PR so we can let security know that you have permission.

Where can media park?

After getting permission from the Methodist public relations department, reporters, camera crews, and live units can park at the following locations:

Methodist Dallas – reporters and camera crews can park in the circle drive by the fountain at the front entrance off Beckley. Live units can park across the street from the emergency room entrance off Colorado, either legally on the street or in the Jimmy John’s parking lot.

Methodist Charlton – reporters and camera crews can park in the circular driveway at the front entrance off Wheatland and Westmoreland Roads.

Methodist Mansfield – park in the circular driveway of the women’s center entrance. Pull forward to align with the cafeteria outdoor seating area.

Methodist Richardson – park in any available space in the main parking lot. No vehicles are allowed in the circular drive near the Emergency Department on Renner Road, as this is reserved for emergency vehicles only.

You must get permission from public relations department to park or have cameras at any Methodist location. Please be sure to never block access for emergency vehicles.

Can I collect images or information in Methodist facilities?

Media photographers and reporters must have hospital permission before entering any Methodist facility and taking any photos, and must be escorted by a member of our public relations department or the Methodist police.

For the safety and care of our patients, no photography is permitted in any critical care unit or room (such as the Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, or the Neurocritical Care Unit).

How can I get patient information and interviews?

Journalists must provide a patient’s correctly spelled first and last name before we inquire and/or release information about a patient’s condition. Under patient privacy laws*, we require a signed patient consent form before the release of patient information and prior to interviews, photography or videotaping. A member of the PR team needs to escort journalists during interviews. Public relations 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 or attempted suicide
• Patients in danger as determined by law enforcement officers
• Situations where litigation is pending or underway

*All policies are in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act’s privacy rule

What do one-word patient condition reports mean?

The American Hospital Association spells out the following terms:

• Undetermined: Patient is awaiting assessment by a physician
• Good: Vital signs (usually pulse, blood pressure, temperature and respiration) are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
• Fair: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable.
• Serious: Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious.
• Critical: Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious.

The terms "stable" and "guarded" were recently deleted from the guidelines because the meaning of these words is unclear and confusing.

Can I refer to the organization as Methodist Hospitals of Dallas, Methodist Medical Center, Methodist Central, or Charlton Methodist Hospital?

No. Although the legal name of our organization is Methodist Hospitals of Dallas, the name under which we conduct business is Methodist Health System. The proper names for the hospitals in the system are Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, and Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

What is “The Joint Commission” or JCAHO?

The Joint Commission was formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The Joint Commission is the nation’s predominant standards-setting and accrediting agency in healthcare. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Methodist Health System, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, and Methodist Richardson Medical Center are accredited by the Joint Commission and have earned the agency’s Gold Seal of Approval™.

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