The Community Relations Department uses these terms in describing a patient’s condition:

Good: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Prognosis is good.

Fair: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious but uncomfortable or may have minor complications. Favorable prognosis.

Serious: Acutely ill with questionable prognosis. Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. A chance for improved diagnosis.

Critical: Questionable prognosis. Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. There are major complications.

Undetermined: Patient awaiting physician and assessment.

Note: The term “stable” will not be used as a condition. The term should not be used in combination with other conditions, which by definition, often indicate a patient is unstable.

Death

Information about of the death of a patient is public information and available from Lancaster General after the family has been notified. Lancaster General will not release a patient’s cause of death. Such information must come from the patient’s physician.

If death becomes the object of a coroner or medical examiner’s investigation, inquiries as to the cause and circumstances of death will be directed to the appropriate authorities.