Press Room - The Health Television System Inc.

Johns Hopkins Implements Direct-to-Patient Television Network - Healthtv

BALTIMORE, Oct. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthtv, North America's premiere television network for direct-to-patient education, has signed and implemented another "top ten" hospital, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore Maryland.

Tria Wallace, Television Services/Patient Education Committee: "The patient education committee was impressed with the program content and production quality. There's a large group and all agreed Healthtv filled content holes and the quality was better than other services. The cultural diversity in their programming is important for our patient population."

Within 24 hours of implementation, Healthtv was well utilized on units. "I walk around the hospital and a lot of patients are watching. The staff training was beneficial -- with nursing shortages and staff turnover it's hard to impart information to everyone. I have nurses who want to get involved in Healthtv because they feel so positive about it."

Healthtv is owned and operated by The Health Television System Inc. (HTS). Established in Canada since 1993, HTS provides hospitals with original health education programs specially developed to support staff and to prepare patients and families for life after the hospital. Content is produced for cardiac, oncology and general medical/surgical units.

Healthtv is in top teaching hospitals in 14 states, including UCLA, NY Presbyterian, Shands at University of Florida, Rush Presbyterian, ILL, Medical University of South Carolina, George Washington, DC and Beth Israel Deaconess, MA. Already reaching more than 2 million consumers in 26 hospitals, expansion plans have been stepped up to meet the demand. Kathy Kastner, CEO: "With the emphasis on patient satisfaction, response to content and quality has been overwhelming. Excitement about new educational segments has us working with many patient advocacy groups, hospitals and socially- responsible corporations."

The Health Television System Inc. service includes installing maintenance- free DVD equipment, broadcast-quality content, 24/7, access via patients TV's, print support, staff training, and regular program updates. Slated for fall are segments on pain management -- in collaboration with the American Pain Foundation, Medication Safety with Hospital for Special Surgery.

The Health Television System Inc. is a privately owned company with offices in Toronto, Canada and Buffalo, NY. Founded in 1993 by Marvin Berns and Kathy Kastner who have backgrounds in award-winning television production specializing in healthcare issues.