Effective February 1, Coffey County Hospital will no longer offer patients the option of having their names released to the media.
“It simply is no longer safe to publicize the names of people who are in the hospital, or whose family members are hospitalized,” explains Director of Marketing Tracy Campbell. “The publication of these names significantly increases the risk of home burglary and other crimes. To contribute to the potential victimization of our patients would be irresponsible on our part.”
In addition to ceasing the release of pre-authorized daily admissions and discharges, the hospital will no longer release the status of accident victims or other patients whose identity is a matter of public record.
The decision to no longer release patient information was made in cooperation with Newman Regional Health in Emporia and with the support of the Lyon County and Coffey County Sheriffs.