Golden State Health Centers

* Re “Pickets Assail Nursing Care Chain, Cite Abuse Claims,” May 3:

The information in this article is not indicative of the high-quality care which is provided by Golden State Health Centers. In fact, Golden State Health Centers provide some of the best, safest and highest quality health care in California and the nation. We are proud of our record of care during the more than 38 years that this family-owned business has been in existence.

All care in our facilities is provided by registered nurses and certified staff under the direct supervision of a physician. We exceed the state and national requirements for nurse staffing and many staff members have worked with Golden State for more than 20 years. Each staff member receives ongoing training related to his or her discipline with special emphasis on residents’ rights, safety issues, quality of care and quality of life.

The majority of Golden State’s facilities receive good marks during Department of Health Services unannounced inspections for compliance with more than 900 separate state and federal regulations.

We are saddened and angry that this activist group has chosen to demean the staff and our residents in this manner. Golden State protects and enhances the lives of older and disabled Californians.

Golden State’s nursing facilities have stringent hiring policies and procedures, as well as training requirements, for our employees. We employ nearly 3,000 trained medical, professional and support services staff who care for approximately 3,000 residents.

We have multilayered systems of control which have proven to be effective in assuring compliance with all regulations and in assuring quality resident care.

Our ongoing commitment is to provide the highest quality care for the elderly and disabled with compassion and respect.

SOLOMON GOLDNER, Vice President

Golden State Health Centers Inc.

Sherman Oaks