December Board Chair Report

December 19, 2024

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Dear Sonoma Valley Community, 

At the December Board meeting, I was honored to be voted in as Board Chair, following my three years of service on the Finance Committee and two years as a Board member. As a Sonoma resident for over 20 years with 17 years of experience in healthcare, I am deeply committed to the philosophy of health care, versus sick care, for our Sonoma Community. My focus, as Board Chair,
is to work towards improving the access and convenience to the health and wellness services
across our community.

As we celebrate the holiday season, I want to begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to the individuals who have dedicated their time, expertise, and passion to the hospital. At our last Board meeting of the year, we took a moment to honor three outgoing Board members, whose contributions have been invaluable to the hospital and our community.

Honoring Judith Bjorndal
We are deeply grateful for Dr. Judith Bjorndal’s outstanding service to the hospital. Serving on the Board since 2020, Judith has used her medical background, specializing in pediatrics and addiction medicine, to actively participate in shaping the hospital’s strategic plan. She has been an instrumental advocate for our community’s health, and we thank her for her dedicated service.

Honoring Bill Boerum
Bill Boerum has served on the Board since 2007, bringing his executive and management expertise, particularly in financial services, to guide the hospital’s strategic initiatives. Bill’s insights and leadership have been pivotal in advancing the hospital’s mission, and we express our gratitude for his many years of service.

Honoring Susan Kornblatt Idell
We also honor Susan Kornblatt Idell for her invaluable contributions since joining the Board in 2020. Susan’s background in social gerontology and healthcare academia has greatly enhanced our strategic planning efforts, and we thank her for her dedication to the hospital and the community.

We appreciate the collective years of service these individuals have given to the district, the hospital, and the community. Looking to the future, we welcome our newly elected Board officers: Daniel Kittleson, Dennis Bloch, and Edward Case. We look forward to their leadership and contributions as we continue to advance the mission of Sonoma Valley Hospital.

Investment in Technology: ROSA Surgical System
At the meeting, Dr. Walter, our orthopedic surgeon, presented on the ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) System and proposed an investment to enhance our orthopedic capabilities. The ROSA system assists surgeons in performing total joint replacement surgeries with greater precision, improved pre-operative planning, and better surgical outcomes through minimally invasive techniques. This advanced technology aligns us with the highest standards of care, strengthening our ability to attract and retain orthopedic specialists while improving patient outcomes. We are grateful to Dr. Walter for bringing this cutting-edge technology to Sonoma Valley Hospital, which will keep us at the forefront of medical advancements and ensure that the care we provide is on par with top healthcare organizations.

Finance Update
Ben Armfield, our Chief Financial Officer, reported that the hospital’s financial performance for October exceeded budget expectations, with gross charges reaching $32 million—12% above budget and an all-time high for the hospital. Key areas such as MRI, outpatient physical therapy,
and emergency room volumes showed strong results. However, the hospital’s inpatient census remains below budget, though there has been some improvement in recent months. The hospital continues to experience positive trends in outpatient services, which remain a core area of success. Overall, the hospital’s financial performance has shown consistent growth, exceeding the prior
year’s results each month of this fiscal year.

Gratitude for Our Leadership Team
Finally, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the entire Sonoma Valley Hospital leadership team. They embody a spirit of dedication and teamwork that ensures the hospital runs smoothly, day in and day out. Their commitment to doing whatever it takes to provide quality, accessible care for our community is truly inspiring.

As we close out the year, I am grateful for the support of our Board, leadership, staff, and community. Together, we are building a healthier future for Sonoma Valley, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

We invite all community members to stay engaged and informed as we move forward with purpose and enthusiasm into the new year. Watch the December 5th meeting here. The next Board meeting will be Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Warm regards,

Wendy
Wendy Lee Myatt
Board Chair, Sonoma Valley Health Care District