MANTECA, Calif. – Doctors Hospital of Manteca is preparing to observe Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 7 – 13, 2004, sponsored by the National Patient Safety Foundation.  Patient Safety Awareness Week is an educational and awareness-building campaign that seeks to improve patient safety and reduce medical errors. 

The theme of this year’s observance is “Patient Safety: The Power of Partnership.”  The theme highlights the commitment Doctors Hospital of Manteca has to working closely with patients, families, and healthcare providers in the effort to deliver quality healthcare in a safe environment.

In honor of Patient Safety Awareness Week, the DHM Pharmacy Department will be offering free medication consultations during a “Brown Bag” clinic from 9:00AM – 3:00PM on Friday, March 12, 2004.  During the clinic, community members are invited to bring in all of their current medications (prescription and over-the-counter) for a one-on-one review with a representative from the Pharmacy Department.  Staff will discuss medication side effects, potential medication interactions, and answer any additional questions.  Appointments for the free clinic are mandatory, and space is limited!  To register, please call (209) 239-8381 and ask for Sharon.

 “This is a wonderful opportunity for Doctors Hospital of Manteca to highlight the work we are doing within our hospital and community to promote patient safety,” said Katherine A. Medeiros, Chief Executive Officer. 

Doctors Hospital of Manteca (located at 1205 East North Street, Manteca, CA) is part of Tenet California.  Doctors Hospital of Manteca opened its doors in 1962 as a 28-bed, 41 employee, nine physician rural community hospital in the heart of California’s Central Valley.  Over the years, the hospital expanded services to keep pace with the needs of a rapidly growing community.  A multi-million dollar addition and upgrade construction project increased the hospital’s capacity to 73 beds.  One of the largest businesses in the community, Doctors Hospital now has more than 390 employees and a medical staff of 160 physicians.  While maintaining small-town comfort, Doctors Hospital of Manteca offers many advanced services.  Private patient rooms, expanded and enhanced imaging services, emergency, pharmacy, physical therapy, ICU/CCU and obstetrical services are designed for the care and comfort of our patients.

Doctors Hospital of Manteca is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency.  To learn more about Doctors Hospital of Manteca, visit our website, www.doctorsmanteca.com.

# # #

Certain statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements.  They are based on management’s current expectations and could be affected by numerous factors and are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  Certain of those risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s transition report on Form 10-K for the 7-month period ended Dec. 31, 2002 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.  Do not rely on any forward-looking statement, as we cannot predict or control many of the factors that ultimately may affect our ability to achieve the results estimated.  We make no promise to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or otherwise.