Authorized Spokesperson

Members of the news media needing information about Nicklaus Children's Hospital, should contact our Public Relations Department. For immediate assistance, please call the on-call pager at (305) 286-4370.

We will provide prompt assistance 24 hours a day, regarding:

• Patient condition updates
• Breaking news
• Information about programs and services
• Medical experts on children's health

Only an authorized spokesperson is permitted to release the following information, which is consistent with the patient confidentiality policy of Nicklaus Children's Hospital:

• GOOD: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are favorable.
• FAIR: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
• SERIOUS: Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
• CRITICAL: Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.

Please note that the term "stable" should not be used as a condition. Furthermore, this term should not be used in combination with other conditions, which by definition, often indicate a patient is unstable.