Insurance firm provides NHS with PR crisis care

The insurance company covering half the UK’s NHS Trusts has called

in two public healthcare PR consultancies to provide crisis

communication support for its clients.

St Paul International, whose range of products includes cover for

medical professional liability, is extending its cover to include

communications support for up to 48 hours after a crisis occurs. It has

appointed Clear Communication and Jonathan Street PR to provide the

service.

St Paul’s marketing manager Peter Elliott explained: ’When NHS Trusts

renew their insurance with us, they will get a helpline number which

will put them in touch with the agencies when there is a crisis.’

Street said: ’A Trust’s first reaction to a health-related crisis can be

blind panic. How can it meet the needs of those who want information

while protecting the interests of patients and staff and the credibility

of the organisation. St Paul’s new service will provide some of the

answers.’

Leader, p9.