At the February board meeting, we received a comprehensive report from Danielle Jones, the hospital’s Chief Quality Officer, about the hospital’s impressive ongoing efforts to ensure SVH patients receive high quality, safe care. Danielle noted our hospital performs at or above all national benchmarks for quality and safety, and our infection prevention rates are excellent. All of which continues to earn the hospital a Four Star Rating – out of a possible five stars – from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
If you wish to better understand the hospital’s commitment to quality and patient safety, I encourage you to drop by the hospital this month and tour the Performance Improvement Showcase. This annual event is organized by the hospital’s Quality Department and the Sonoma Valley Health Care District’s Quality Committee to recognize initiatives developed by hospital staff, departments, and multidisciplinary teams that have identified opportunities for improving patient care and safety, along with performance efficiency improvements.
The showcase is open to the community through Monday, March 2 during regular business hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm). A self-guided tour map can be obtained from the front desk receptionist in the main lobby.
Community Outreach
The hospital’s efforts to develop strong partnerships to serve the health needs of our community was highlighted in a report from Celia Kruse De La Rosa, Marketing and Community Outreach Manager. She described how the hospital works closely with the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center to bring a holistic focus on acute and chronic pain management to their patients, as well as the community at large. We’ve also worked with Vintage House on several programs, from a very successful Active Aging lecture series to a recent program in which hospital pharmacists met with community members individually to review their medications and supplements to ensure there are no potential adverse side effects.
In addition, Celia mentioned SVH programs with La Luz, CarePartners Initiative, and Sustainable Sonoma, as well as the health fairs and health events and screenings the hospital has coordinated with local schools and other community groups.
Cardiology Dept. Upgrades
The board approved funds at the meeting for upgrading the hospital’s Cardiology Department. When this renovation is complete, the hospital will have what is essentially a new and modern Cardiology Department. The funds, received as part of the capital campaign for the Outpatient Diagnostic Center, will cover both cosmetic upgrades and the purchase of new equipment, including four EKG Machines, an echo machine, a treadmill and a PFT machine.
We also had a progress report on the Outpatient Development Center which remains on schedule, with construction of the first phase involving a new CT scanner to be completed in May, and patient access available by July. To date, the campaign committee reports it has raised $19 million, including individual donations from 296 community members.
Coronavirus Readiness
In other business, Chief Medical Officer Sabrina Kidd, MD, reported that, while the probability of the Coronavirus occurring in our community is low, the hospital is prepared to respond quickly in the event it does appear, and has implemented Coronavirus readiness and response protocols specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and State and County health agencies.
Next Board Meeting
Our next regular District Board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 5, at 6 pm in the City Council Chamber Meeting Room, 177 1st St. West in Sonoma. The public is welcome to attend and public comment is always encouraged.
Sincerely,
Jane
Jane Hirsch
Chair of the SVHCD Board of Directors