January Board Chair Report
January 15, 2025Leer en español
Dear Sonoma Valley Community,
As the new year unfolds, we find ourselves thinking of those affected by the devastating fires in Southern California. During our January Board meeting, Fire Chief Steve Akre of the Sonoma Valley Fire District shared updates on the efforts of our local firefighters who are actively supporting the front lines. We are immensely thankful for their dedication and support of the Southern California communities in these challenging times.
Sonoma Valley Fire District Update
Fire Chief Steve Akre reported the successful passage of Measure H in March 2024, which has brought crucial enhancements to our Fire District. This includes the establishment of a new ambulance company, the addition of 17 firefighters/paramedics, and the rebuilding of two fire stations. With the increase of fully staffed ambulances from two to three, Chief Akre noted that emergency response times have notably improved, with ambulances now transferring patients to the Sonoma Valley Hospital (SVH) Emergency Room (ER) in an average of nine minutes—significantly under the standard 20-minute benchmark. In 2024, 80% of patient transports were directed to SVH, reinforcing the effectiveness of these upgrades. Our ER team and the Fire Department continue to deepen their partnership through joint training initiatives, improving both speed and efficiency in emergency care. Chief Akre expressed his appreciation for the strong collaboration with our Emergency Department team.
2024 Annual Community Report
Dawn Castelli, Director of Community Outreach and Marketing, presented the 2024 Annual Community Report. This year’s theme, “Healing Here at Home,” underscores the hospital’s significant advancements. The report highlighted the expansion of our Physical Therapy department and the addition of Dr. Walter, a distinguished orthopedist, both of which have substantially enhanced local access to specialized care. Additionally, under the banner of “Bringing Care Into the Community,” we have deepened our partnerships with organizations such as Vintage House, La Luz and UCSF, extending our healthcare services beyond the hospital walls to better serve the broader community.
CEO Report
CEO John Hennelly reported on ongoing marketing initiatives focused on promoting our MRI services and the expansion of our Physical Therapy facilities, expected to be completed by mid-2025. We are pleased to welcome Leslie Petersen as the new Executive Director of the Hospital Foundation. Her extensive experience is anticipated to bring substantial benefits to our community.
Quality Committee Report
Dr. Dan Kittleson and Chief Nursing Officer Jessica Winkler reported on the Quality Committee’s recent findings, highlighting significant improvements in sepsis care and advancements in stroke care, readmissions, safety, and patient satisfaction. These efforts, in collaboration with UCSF, continue to enhance the quality of care and outcomes at Sonoma Valley Hospital.
Finance Report
CFO Ben Armfield provided an update on the financial performance for November, noting a seasonal dip in volumes. Despite this, year-to-date operating revenues remain ahead of budget and prior-year levels. The financial outlook is positive, with expectations of a rebound in patient volumes after the holiday season.
Welcome and Committee Assignments
We warmly welcome new Board members—Daniel Kittleson, Dennis Bloch, and Ed Case—and look forward to their contributions in the coming year. And we are thankful for Denise Kalos’ continuing service – her third year (3rd) – on the Board. For 2025, Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Board Committee were nominated and approved as follows:
Finance Committee: Chair, Ed Case and Vice Chair, Dennis Bloch
Audit Committee: Chair, Ed Case and Vice Chair, Dennis Bloch
Quality Committee: Chair, Dan Kittleson and Vice Chair, Wendy Lee Myatt
Governance Committee: Chair, Denise Kalos and Vice Chair, Wendy Lee Myatt
Affiliation Oversight Committee: Chair, Wendy Lee Myatt and Vice Chair, Dennis Bloch
As we enter 2025, I am filled with gratitude for all those who contribute to the success of Sonoma Valley Hospital. We look forward to a year of purpose, optimism, and continued commitment to the health of our community.
Warm regards,
Wendy Lee Myatt
Board Chair, Sonoma Valley Hospital
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