Media Relations

The Marketing/Public Relations staff is available to assist news media to arrange interviews or photo opportunities with hospital staff or for more information about hospital services or events. 

Marketing/Public Relations Contact

Kai Gerkey, MBA - Marketing/PR Director
Phone: 405-604-4551
E-mail: kai.gerkey@deaconessokc.com

For after hours, call the main hospital at 405-604-6000 and ask the operator to page Marketing.

Media Guidelines

• We request that the media contact Marketing/PR to arrange all interviews.
• A Marketing/PR staff member must accompany all reporters, film crews and photographers at all times when on the Deaconess Hospital campus.
• Advance notice of any on-site video or photography is necessary to allow Marketing/PR to notify any patients, family or hospital staff.
• All patient inquiries must contain the patient’s name.  After the hospital receives consent from the patient or the patient’s parent/guardian, only a one-word condition can be released to the media.  No information will be released to the media if the patient has requested confidentiality.
• Deaconess adheres to the following descriptions of a patient’s condition. These descriptions are standardized and approved by the American Hospital Association:
  • Undetermined: Patient awaiting physician and assessment.
  • Good: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits.  Patient is conscious and comfortable.  Indicators are excellent.
  • 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.
  • Treated and Released:  Received treatment but not admitted.
  • Treated and Transferred:  Received treatment.  Transferred to a different facility.