Display of External Advertising Materials in WA Health Facilities

Display of External Advertising Materials in WA Health Facilities

Staff working in WA Health facilities (including hospitals and health campuses) and health centres often receive written information and/or product samples by mail or directly from product suppliers, with a request that it be displayed in the facility or centre.

Display of products may be reasonably interpreted by consumers as endorsement of the product and therefore mislead the public.

Staff at the facilities and health centres are placed in an unfair situation when marketing pressure is applied by suppliers and workload is increased.

Policy Guidelines

The display of information and/or sample products is not permitted.

The display of material advertising services provided by private organisations or individuals for profit or not, is not permitted. This includes services offered by private physiotherapists, speech pathologists and other allied health professionals or midwives. Should such products be received, staff should return to sender.

Where a service provider (private or public) is funded or contracted to provide a service for WA Health, then the display of their material, subject to approval, is appropriate.

The display and/or provision of brochures, pamphlets, posters etc relating to community services which have a relevant health focus may occur if they meet the following criteria:

1. Health promotion materials prepared by government or non-government organisations such as:

• divisions or health services of WA Health
• Department of Child Protection and Family Support
• Kidsafe
• Asthma Foundation
• Cancer Council of WA
• St John Ambulance

Please note that this is an indicative list to provide guidance to WA Health facilities.

Other health related government or non-government health promotion documentation may also be appropriate.

Staff are reminded that professional judgment must be used; however, final approval for the display of any promotional material is to be approved by heath service communication/public relations teams.

Professor Bryant Stokes
A/DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WA