On November 16th we had the celebration of the year in Sonoma Valley. (My opinion, of course!) With over 1,000 attendees, we celebrated the opening of our new wing and upgraded facilities. I have been overwhelmed with gratitude because YOU made it possible. In 2008, you let us know that you wanted a new Emergency Department and a hospital of which you can be proud. I’m happy to say, we have fulfilled that promise.
Serving as the hospital leader over the past three-and-a-half years has been an adventure and a blessing. With a strong group of leaders, physicians, board members and staff, we have changed almost every process and have accomplished more in that time than most hospitals accomplish in a decade. We are now starting to receive national recognition for quality and best practices and I believe that is just the beginning. But many are still asking, how will we survive the tumultuous health care environment?
I believe we will do so with a diligent focus on maintaining financial health, and supported by the community in the form of the parcel tax and ongoing philanthropy. We will work to create a model for small hospitals and demonstrate the way that smaller communities can ensure access to excellent health care services at home.
For the past year, we have been addressing many dramatic changes in health care. It has been a challenging time. We understand that only hospitals that can adapt will survive and flourish. I am confident that SVH has a solid mission, clear vision and values, and understands how to leverage our new hospital investment. Since our ER serves 8 out of 10 people in the valley who need emergency services, we are capitalizing on that strength. We also have strong outpatient services such as rehabilitation and diagnostics. And we offer something unique to our hospital: excellent skilled nursing and home care. It is around these diverse services that we can create our “new” hospital.
While the changes we are making to ensure our viability may cause some concern, I assure you they are necessary to create the “peace of mind” that our community has desired for our hospital. I hope that you will seek to understand the changes and trust that our hospital is transforming because of the realities posed by the current health care environment. As always, feel free to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to be your hospital of choice.
I believe our new hospital will also lead Sonoma Valley into becoming a nationally recognized healthy community. As the health care industry transforms to one of managing health, not just treating illness, we are making a collective impact through health partnerships and proven community health initiatives. One example is the new Compass center partnership with Parkpoint. This exciting program inspires community members to become the healthiest they can be. It is a one-stop shop at the fitness center to inspire a breakthrough in health under the direction of Dr. Suzannah Bozzone, hospital clinicians and Parkpoint health coaches. This new center opens in early January and I hope to see you there!
In good health,
Kelly Mather
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sonoma Valley Hospital