SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- VistaCare, Inc. , a leading national hospice provider, has announced the introduction of new programming and an all-new promotional initiative on The Patient Channel, GE Healthcare's hospital-based patient education television network.
The Patient Channel provides educational programming to more than 1,110 hospitals in the U.S., reaching millions of patients and their family members with information about the most common medical conditions and healthcare issues. The Patient Channel's programming content is reviewed by an expert advisory board comprised of medical and education professionals and viewing is often recommended by physicians and nursing personnel for patients as part of the education component of their hospital stay.
The VistaCare 60-second promotional segment is designed to heighten awareness of the hospice benefit and to introduce VistaCare to these patients and families. The promotion was first introduced this month to The Patient Channel's U.S. hospital network during educational programming on cancer, heart disease, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In addition, the promotional message can be viewed by anyone watching The Patient Channel's live web feed on the Internet. The promotion prompts patients and families to contact VistaCare for additional information on hospice care.
In July, The Patient Channel will introduce an original program on Chronic Care, which will also include VistaCare's branded promotional messages. Beyond helping to inform patients and their families, subsequent phases of the collaborative program will include educational outreach to healthcare professionals on advanced care and end-of-life planning, and the direct education of physicians, nurses, discharge planners and other hospital personnel.
"By also working with GE Healthcare's professional educational channels, we will be able to better help patients and families facing an advanced illness, and we can help them evaluate post-hospitalization care planning options," said Rick Slager, Chairman and CEO of VistaCare, Inc. "Many of these patients and families may be facing a new diagnosis and coming to terms with the terminal nature of their disease. Educational programming helps them regain a sense of control by informing them of their options and making them aware of other the resources available to them."
"The development of quality programming is part of our ongoing effort to ensure that The Patient Channel continues to provide timely, accurate and useful information for patients and their caregivers," said David A. Ross, manager of Education Products and Services for GE Healthcare. "This new relationship with VistaCare will be a valuable addition to our program offering by providing information on hospice care and end-of-life care issues at the time many families need it most."
Launched in 2002 by GE Healthcare and NBC, The Patient Channel is delivered via satellite television to hospitals across the United States to provide high quality educational programs to patients and their families in patient and waiting rooms. More than 20 million patients, representing 60 Percent of U.S. hospital discharges, have access to The Patient Channel annually.
About VistaCare
VistaCare is a leading provider of hospice services in the United States, with 41 programs in 14 states. Through interdisciplinary teams of physicians, nurses, home healthcare aides, social workers, spiritual and other counselors and volunteers, VistaCare provides care primarily designed to reduce pain and enhance the quality of life of patients facing life-limiting illness. This care is most commonly in the patient's home or other residence of choice, including assisted living facilities and nursing homes. For more information or to learn about the benefits of VistaCare, call 1-866-VISTACARE (847-8222) or visit http://www.vistacare.com/.
For further information, please contact: Mike Fleming of VistaCare, Inc., office, +1-480-648-8700, or pager, +1-800-808-6849, mike.fleming@vistacare.com
VistaCare, Inc.CONTACT: Mike Fleming of VistaCare, Inc., office, +1-480-648-8700, orpager, +1-800-808-6849, mike.fleming@vistacare.com
Web site: http://www.vistacare.com/
