0
Source: The Dutch Harbor FishermanJim Paulin
February 3,2012
The Deadliest Catch's access to scenes of injured fishermen inside the local clinic has been cut off. The Iliuliuk Family and Health Services board of directors unanimously voted down a location release on Jan. 18 from Original Productions, the popular television show's producer.
Before the vote was taken, clinic health care providers were asked by board chair Michelle Callaham how they felt about being rock stars and TV stars on the show that airs on the Discovery Channel featuring Bering Sea crab boats.
None spoke in favor.
Rebecca Stroklund, a clinic physician, said a patient disregarded requests to stop video-recording with his small camera, and falsely claimed the footage was only for his personal use. She said clinic staff determined later it was actually for the TV show.
"That really made us mad," she said.
While in past seasons the show's professional videographers would only shoot with consent, services would slow down if a doctor or nurse declined, and the clinic needed to search for a health care provider willing to appear on national television, Stroklund said.
"I don't think it has the best interests of our patients at heart," said Dr. Jennifer Neumann.
Clinic executive director Eileen Scott said she brought the TV access issue to the board's attention, because there needed to be something "clear cut, in writing."
Scott arrived at the clinic in October. Previously she said, the TV cameras were allowed in the clinic with a staff escort, and were always "extremely respectful about what not to film."
The vote count was eight board members opposed, none in favor.
Article Continues Here
