Letter from the CEO: Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead

Dear Sonoma Valley Community,

As we close out 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a remarkable year for Sonoma Valley Hospital. Your unwavering support and trust in our hospital make everything we do possible, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

This year, we’ve been guided by exceptional leadership, and I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Judy Bjorndal, our outgoing board chair, and our departing board members Bill Boerum and Susan Kornblatt Idell for their dedication and service. Their commitment has been instrumental in helping us grow and thrive. As we look ahead, I’m delighted to welcome Wendy Lee Myatt as our incoming board chair. Wendy’s leadership and years of service on the board will be vital as we continue to advance our mission. I’m also excited to welcome Leslie Petersen as the new Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation. Leslie’s expertise and passion for community healthcare will be an incredible asset to our team.

This holiday season, I encourage everyone to focus on health and wellness. In this issue, we’re sharing tips for staying safe and healthy during the winter months, as well as highlighting the exceptional work of Joe Cornett, RN, WCC, whose dedication to wound care is making a difference for so many in our community.

This season, our hospital team has embraced the spirit of giving. From delivering cookies and heartfelt notes to first responders and community partners, to hosting festive events, their efforts reflect the kindness and generosity that make Sonoma Valley Hospital such a special place.

On behalf of everyone at Sonoma Valley Hospital, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season.

Warm regards,

John Hennelly
CEO, Sonoma Valley Hospital

Tips for a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season

Get to Know Us: Profiles from Sonoma Valley Hospital

Featured Profile: Joe Cornett, RN, WCC: Exploring Wound Care at Sonoma Valley Hospital

At Sonoma Valley Hospital, we take pride in the compassionate care and expertise our staff bring to the community. This month, we spotlight Joe Cornett, RN, WCC, whose dedication to wound care helps patients heal and regain their quality of life.

Q: Can you share a bit about yourself and your journey to Sonoma Valley Hospital?
A: My career started in the semiconductor industry, where I worked on machines used to create computer chips. I also led the emergency medical response team, which gave me my first exposure to healthcare. After staying home to raise my children, I decided to pursue nursing.

While in nursing school, I met a wound care nurse whose enthusiasm for her work was contagious. Watching her use a wound vac fascinated me, and I knew I wanted to specialize in this field. I transitioned to wound care early in my career, earned my certification, and joined Sonoma Valley Hospital, where I’ve been for about 11 years.

Q: Can you tell us more about your role and what the Wound Care Clinic offers?
A: As a Wound Care Nurse, I provide advanced wound care for outpatient cases and consult on inpatient cases. Our clinic specializes in treating acute and chronic wounds that are complicated by conditions like diabetes, trauma, infections, and surgery. We use techniques like sharp debridement, compression therapy, and pulse lavage mechanical debridement to help wounds heal as quickly as possible with minimal pain or scarring.

It’s rewarding to be part of a process where you can see visible results—turning a difficult wound into a healed one. In some areas of medicine, the impact of your work isn’t always visible, but with wound care, progress is right in front of you, which is very gratifying.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: Every day is different, which keeps things interesting. I start with a list of patients to see in the clinic, but I’m often called to the ER or inpatient units to assess and recommend treatments for other wounds. You never know what the day will bring, so you have to adapt and roll with the punches.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work?
A: The visual results are incredibly gratifying. Watching a wound heal over time and knowing I played a part in that process is very satisfying. I’ve had patients I’ve worked with for over a decade, which allows me to build strong relationships. Seeing their progress and getting to know them personally is one of the most rewarding aspects of this job. There are a lot of very interesting people, and getting to know then is very rewarding.

Q: What do you enjoy most about living and working in Sonoma Valley?
A: Sonoma Valley has a wonderful sense of community. The hospital staff, doctors, and my coworkers are friendly and supportive. It’s a family-friendly environment, and the people here are wonderful to work with.

Hospital Updates: News You Can Use

Hospital Hours: Our ER is always open. Please note that the hospital offices will be closed at noon on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Spreading Holiday Cheer at SVH

The holiday spirit is alive and well at Sonoma Valley Hospital! Here’s how our team is spreading joy and making a difference this season:

1. Sip, Savor, Swap: Our Community Trust & DEI Committees are bringing staff together for a festive clothing swap and afternoon tea. This unique event allows staff to “shop” for gently used clothing and share favorite holiday treats from their cultural or family traditions. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate togetherness and diversity at SVH.
2. Cookies for Community Partners: The Community Trust Team is delivering cookies and heartfelt holiday notes to our valued community partners and first responders, spreading gratitude and cheer throughout the Valley.
3. Supporting Patients with Comfort and Care: Our Patient Clothing Closet ensures discharged ER patients leave with weather-appropriate clothing. This year, staff launched a drive for new socks and underwear, keeping patients warm and supported. It’s just one of the many ways our team goes above and beyond to care for our community.

From festive events to acts of kindness, SVH is proud to celebrate the holidays with a focus on compassion, gratitude, and community care.

Don’t Miss Out on the Benefits of Our 3T MRI!

Sonoma Valley Hospital’s state-of-the-art 3T MRI is now available, offering advanced imaging right here in the Valley. Most scans can be scheduled within 48 hours—don’t wait! Have an order? Use your year-end benefits and call us today to book your appointment: (707) 935-5020.