Only a physician can discuss a patient’s prognosis with the media and only with the patient’s written consent. However, the following conditions apply to patients at Campbellford Memorial Hospital and can be released providing the media gives the patient’s name and the case is a matter of public record.
Definitions
Satisfactory:
Vital signs are stable* and within normal limits. The patient is conscious and comfortable. Making favourable progress.
Fair:
Vital signs are stable* and within or close to normal limits. The patient is conscious. The patient may have minor complications.
Serious:
Acutely ill. Vital signs may be unstable* and not within normal limits. The patient may be unconscious. There are major complications.
Critical:
Vital signs are unstable* and not within normal limits. There are major complications and indications are unfavourable.
* The term stable is only a description of a patient’s vital signs, which includes temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.