Media enquiries

All general press enquiries must be referred to the Communications Team on 020 8375 2180 so that it can co-ordinate responses.

It is extremely important that journalists use this channel to ensure enquiries are dealt with quickly and appropriately.

The press office will not release information about any staff member or any patient to the media without consent, usually written, of the individual concerned.

If an adult patient is incapable of giving informed consent, this will normally be determind by the clinical team, it may nevertheless be in his or her best interest for basic information to be released. In such cases the decision to pass on information will take account of the view of any next of kin, or failing that, carers or relatives with whom they are in contact. In the case of child, a parent or guardian must give consent.

The only exception is where a patient or former patient, or those acting on his or her behalf, has already invited the media to report on his or her treatment. Where the resulting media coverage contains inaccuracies or unfair criticism, the Trust may comment in public, using factual information to correct misleading reporting.