Seismic Standards for Hospitals

Re “Seismic Standards a Bitter Pill for Hospitals,” Nov. 1.

This story about California’s law requiring structural improvements at certain hospitals by 2008 referred to Ojai Valley Community Hospital. I am writing to clarify our hospital’s status and plans.

What I intended to convey in my interview with The Times is that our management team is evaluating the best means of meeting the seismic safety law and the health care needs of the community.

While there are many factors to consider, the safety of our patients and staff is our highest priority, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that Ojai Valley Community Hospital continues to meet the health needs of the area with high standards of quality care.

To assist us in this mission, we are fortunate to have as our partner Province Healthcare, the nation’s fourth-largest hospital company. Province owns or manages 65 hospitals in 22 states, all of which are located in non-urban areas. The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to invest in the communities it serves by providing hospitals with the necessary resources and management expertise to deliver care that is affordable, accessible and first-rate.

The numerous challenges in today’s health care world make this strategic partnership more important than ever. We are confident that combining our hospital staff’s professional skills and knowledge of the community with the experience, expertise and integrity of Province’s management team will continue to raise the quality of life for all concerned in the years to come.

MARK TURNER, Chief Executive Officer, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, Ojai