Dear Editor,
Management of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation wishes to express its concern over your newspaper’s constant breach of the hospital’s protocol regarding the interviewing and photographing of patients, particularly in the wards (reference page 2 of today’s 9 February, 2012 edition).
This policy was instituted to safeguard the hospital and its patients from any legal implications or harm, respectively. Moreover, management is cognizant of the fact that your staff has a job to perform; however, it should not be done in disregard of set rules and regulations.
It is noteworthy that the protocol is not outrageous or difficult to follow, and should your reporters comply, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer or a designee will be more than willing to assist.
Yours faithfully,
Michal H Khan
Chief Executive Officer
Editor’s note
Reporters’ use of visiting hours to interview patients who agree to speak does not require the intervention of the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Public Relations Department. SN reporters are acutely aware of the need to be sensitive to the condition of patients and would only speak to them if they were in a position to do so.
The protocol set out by the hospital for reporters speaking to patients is bureaucratic and unworkable. However, SN is prepared to give it a try but without prejudice to the fundamental right of reporters to speak to patients at a public institution during visiting hours.
