Letter from the CEO: Embracing a Season of Wellness
With spring comes a sense of renewal and a fresh focus on health and well-being. It’s a season that encourages us to pause, refocus on wellness, and make choices that support a healthier future. At Sonoma Valley Hospital, we remain dedicated to ensuring that high-quality healthcare is always within reach for our community.
This month, we’re spotlighting exciting advancements that enhance the care we provide. Our ROSA Robotic Surgical System is transforming joint replacement procedures with greater precision and faster recovery times, while our 3 Tesla MRI offers state-of-the-art imaging right here in Sonoma, eliminating the need to travel for top-tier diagnostics. These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to bringing the best in medical innovation to our community and ensuring our patients receive exceptional care, close to home.
March also gives us an opportunity to profile those who help guide and strengthen our hospital. In this month’s Get to Know Us feature, we are highlighting Wendy Lee Myatt, Board Chair of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District. Wendy has served on the Health District Board for the past two years and recently stepped into the role of Chair. Her leadership, dedication, and passion for expanding healthcare access play a vital role in supporting our mission.
This edition of Hospital Happenings shares updates on the latest advancements at the hospital, highlights the people who help shape our care, and offers ways to stay connected with our team. I hope you’ll take a moment to read about what’s new and the services available to support your health.
Thank you for being part of our hospital family. Together, we will continue to ensure that wellness is in bloom here in Sonoma Valley.
Warm regards,
John Hennelly
CEO, Sonoma Valley Hospital
5th Annual Women’s Health Symposium: Stress Less – Live Longer
Join us for the 5th Annual Women’s Health Symposium on Tuesday, May 6th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, presented by the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation and UCSF Health. This year’s theme, “Stress Less – Live Longer,” will feature expert speakers sharing valuable insights on managing stress and its impact on overall health. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn practical tips and strategies to reduce stress and improve your well-being. Reserve your spot today.
Spring Into Wellness: Prioritize Your Health This Season
With spring comes an opportunity to refocus on health and preventive care. Whether it’s scheduling your annual wellness visit, completing recommended screenings, or consulting a specialist, now is the perfect time to check in on your well-being.
Preventive care is key to maintaining long-term health, and our team is here to support you every step of the way. Don’t wait—schedule your appointment today and embrace a healthier season ahead with Sonoma Valley Hospital.
Get to Know Us: Wendy Lee Myatt, Board Chair, Sonoma Valley Health Care District
At Sonoma Valley Hospital, leadership plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare in our community. This month, we’re introducing Wendy Lee Myatt, the new Board Chair of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District. Wendy brings a wealth of experience in engineering, construction, and healthcare, along with a deep commitment to expanding access to quality care.
To start, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I was born and raised in San Francisco and was drawn to Sonoma more than 20 years ago. After spending several years as part-time residents, my husband and I made the decision to move here full-time in 2020. My career has spanned both technology and healthcare—25 years in engineering and construction, followed by 18 years in the healthcare sector.
What inspired you to join the Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board, and what has your experience been like so far?
When I retired, I wanted to find meaningful ways to give back to the community, which led me to join the Sonoma Valley Health Care District Finance Committee and later the Board. My passion lies in ensuring that our residents—and veterans—have convenient access to care. Travel times of 45 minutes or more to a healthcare facility can be a major barrier to receiving timely medical services.
Serving on the Board has been incredibly rewarding. I have been amazed and humbled by the network of nonprofit organizations in our community, including La Luz, Sonoma Community Health Center, FISH, SOS, and Homeless Action Sonoma. Each plays a vital role in supporting health and wellness in Sonoma, and it’s rewarding to see the Board contributing to that larger mission.
With the hospital’s focus on innovation, how do you see advancements like the ROSA system and the 3Tesla MRI enhancing patient care and overall community wellness?
Bringing new technologies and innovations to Sonoma Valley Hospital—such as the ROSA robotic surgery system and the 3Tesla MRI—makes an enormous difference in access and quality of care. The 3T MRI, for example, eliminates the need for residents to travel 90+ minutes for high-quality imaging. This advanced system offers more detailed scans in less time, allowing physicians to conduct sophisticated imaging procedures that aren’t possible with lower-powered MRIs. It’s these kinds of advancements that provide both better outcomes and peace of mind for our community.
What feedback do you hear most from the community about the hospital?
The feedback I hear is overwhelmingly positive. I often hear people describe Sonoma Valley Hospital as “the gem of our community” and express how fortunate we are to have such a resource locally. The affiliation with UCSF has also been well received, with many in the community excited about the expanded services and expertise it brings.
What has been the most rewarding part of serving on the Board?
The most rewarding part of serving on the Board has been the opportunity to build relationships with others in the community who are equally passionate about improving healthcare access and quality. Collaborating with people who share a common goal of strengthening our hospital is truly fulfilling. And, of course, every time I hear positive feedback about the hospital—whether it’s about a service, a staff member, or the level of care—it brings a smile to my face.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for Sonoma Valley Hospital in the coming year?
I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to further expand the hospital’s services and continue embracing technology and innovation to enhance both access and quality of care. Sonoma Valley Hospital has made incredible progress, and I look forward to seeing that momentum continue in the year ahead.
ROSA Robotics System: Advancing Orthopedic Care
Sonoma Valley Hospital is proud to offer the ROSA Robotic Surgical System, a game-changer in joint replacement surgery. This cutting-edge technology enhances precision and allows for a more personalized approach to surgery, leading to quicker recovery times and improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Walter, our orthopedic surgeon, explains:
“The ROSA system enables us to deliver care with exceptional accuracy, ensuring the best possible results for our patients.” With experienced surgeons like Dr. Weiss and Dr. Walter are excited to bring world-class orthopedic care to Sonoma Valley.
SVH Recognized for Excellence
Sonoma Valley Hospital is honored to be recognized as a top-performing hospital by Partnership HealthPlan’s Hospital Quality Improvement Program (HQIP). SVH was one of only eight hospitals to receive a perfect 100% score, a testament to our commitment to high-quality, accessible healthcare.
“We are incredibly honored by this recognition and remain dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to our community,” says CEO John Hennelly.
New 3 Tesla MRI: Exceptional Imaging, Close to Home
Sonoma Valley Hospital’s 3 Tesla MRI offers faster scan times, enhanced imaging quality, and a more comfortable experience for patients.
Designed with a larger bore to reduce claustrophobia, this state-of-the-art scanner means you no longer need to travel outside Sonoma Valley for top-tier diagnostic imaging.
“The enhanced imaging quality and improved patient experience set this technology apart,” says Dr. Nevitt.
Appointments are available within 48 hours. Have an order? Call 707-935-5020 today to schedule.
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