Language Policy Protects Patients

* Regarding your article “Nursing Home Assailed Over Language Policy,” (Feb. 26), our language policy was developed as part of Hillhaven’s commitment to patient care. We have developed this policy as a reasonable means to ensure patients’ safety and comfort, while respecting the rights and traditions of our employees. Hillhaven asks our employees to speak the language of the majority of the patients when they are in patient care areas. Our policy also clearly allows employees to speak their native language when they are working with others in break rooms, offices and other areas away from patients and is, therefore, definitely not an English-only policy.

In an attempt to influence the current labor negotiations, the Service Employees International Union has filed at least four complaints against our language policy. In every instance, the California Equal Economic Opportunity Commission has upheld the policy as entirely lawful.

More than 60% of Hillhaven’s employees are minorities, and we have one of the lowest turnover rates in the long-term care business. We value our employees and we do everything we can to show them the respect they deserve for their hard work.

It is unfortunate that the union organizers have stooped to misinformation and “scare tactics” as a way to generate attention. Our company’s policies have helped Hillhaven maintain one of the best patient care records in California. Care of our residents is too important to allow the SEIU to turn in into a political football during labor negotiations.

SUSAN McPHERSON

Vice president of operations,

Hillhaven Far West Region