Sunbridge Care Nursing Home Under Investigation by DHS

The state Department of Health Services is investigating Manteca-based Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation Center, which has received four state citations since the beginning of last year, the Modesto Bee reports. Between Jan. 1, 2000, and May 1, 2001, the 176-bed nursing home has received two A-level citations, indicating the center presented "immediate danger" to patients, and two B-level citations, which are less serious, for "faulty suction machines, poor record keeping and other infractions." The facility has paid $12,650 in fines since the beginning of last year. While state officials would not comment on specifics of the investigation, health department spokesperson Norma Arceo said the action was prompted by "new information." Dan Hill, director of public relations for Albuquerque, N.M.-based Sun Healthcare Group, Sunbridge's parent company, said Sunbridge is "a heavily regulated facility," adding, "Any judgment hits us hard. The idea that cutting corners saves us money couldn't be further from the truth." The facility also is facing two wrongful death lawsuits filed by families of two former residents (Dugan, Modesto Bee, 5/11).