Dear Sonoma Valley Community,
This month, we have much to celebrate and many people to thank. Sonoma Valley Hospital has recently received national recognition for its geriatric emergency care, excellence in stroke care and overall service to our community.
These honors include Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA), several American Heart Association awards for stroke care and a place on the 2026 Lown Institute Hospitals Index Honor Roll, an achievement earned by only 160 of more than 3,600 hospitals evaluated nationwide. These recognitions are a credit to the physicians, nurses and staff throughout the Hospital. On behalf of the Board, thank you for the care you provide to our community every day.
Sonoma County Health Services Agency Update
Nolan Sullivan, Sonoma County Health Services Agency Director, and Dr. Mia Shim, Sonoma County Health Officer, presented an overview of health trends and services in Sonoma County. Residents have a longer average life expectancy than people statewide and nationally, although significant disparities remain by race, ethnicity and housing status. They also noted that approximately one-third of County residents are now age 60 or older.
During 2024–2025, more than 21,000 residents received services from the Department of Health Services. The Agency also tracks infectious diseases, mental health trends and climate-related health impacts to help identify changing needs and guide services throughout the community.
Annual Human Resources Report
Chief Human Resources Officer Lynn McKissock presented Sonoma Valley Hospital’s Annual Human Resources Report, highlighting the work of the Hospital’s four-member Human Resources team. The department provides services including recruitment, benefits administration, training and development, compensation, employee engagement, workplace policies and performance management.
Highlights from 2025 included a new health plan benefit through Garner Health HRA, which has resulted in savings for employees and the Hospital; employee wellness activities; and continued investment in clinical education, workforce development, emergency preparedness and leadership development.
Lynn also recognized employees celebrating significant service milestones, including one employee with 45 years of service at Sonoma Valley Hospital. Five employees marked 20 years, eight marked 15 years, 11 marked 10 years and nine marked five years.
Board and Committee Appointments
Following the departure of Director Denise Kalos, the Board nominated and approved Director Dan Kittleson to serve as Vice Chair of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board. Dan will also serve as Co-Chair of the Governance Committee.
The Board also approved the appointment of Elizabeth Sealey to the Governance Committee. Elizabeth is a Sonoma resident, a member of the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation Board and an active member of several nonprofit boards. We appreciate Elizabeth’s willingness to serve and welcome her to the committee.
Chief Executive Officer Report
Chief Executive Officer Kelley Kaiser reported that the Hospital continues to perform strongly across its operations, quality measures and financial performance.
Fiscal Year 2026 represented a breakthrough financial year for Sonoma Valley Hospital. Revenue increased as patient volumes grew across several services, while expenses remained well managed.
Kelley also provided updates on two pieces of state legislation that could affect the Hospital. Hospital leadership continues to evaluate options for complying with AB 2975, which amends California’s Workplace Violence Prevention in Health Care Standard. The new requirements present implementation challenges, particularly related to staffing and timelines.
The Hospital also continues to follow AB 2311, which would authorize healthcare districts to employ physicians directly. If approved, the legislation could make it easier for the Hospital to recruit and retain physicians and provide more care locally.
The Hospital is also pleased to welcome Michelle Corder, MSN, RN, CENP, as our new Chief Nursing Officer. Michelle brings extensive nursing and healthcare leadership experience, most recently from Jacksonville, Florida. We are delighted to welcome her to Sonoma Valley Hospital and our community.
Kelley also reported that Chief Ancillary Officer Dawn Kuwahara is retiring after 29 years at Sonoma Valley Hospital. Dawn has contributed greatly to the Hospital and has shared her knowledge with the Board many times over the years. We thank her for her long service to Sonoma Valley Hospital and wish her well in retirement.
Chief Medical Officer Report
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Okolo reported that inpatient volumes remain elevated, with an average daily census of approximately 15 patients, compared with the historical average of 10 or 11. Hospital leadership is working with physicians and staff to improve scheduling, patient flow and the use of Hospital resources.
Highlights from the latest quality dashboard include:
- Mortality, 30-day readmissions, stroke door-to-CT time, the Emergency Department’s left-without-being-seen rate and colonoscopy follow-up compliance are performing within target.
- Falls, hospital-acquired infections and pressure injuries remain low and at or near established goals.
- Hand hygiene compliance has declined below target in recent months and has been identified as an area for focused improvement.
- Compliance with the SEP-1 sepsis bundle declined during one recent month based on a small number of cases, although overall performance remains strong.
June Financial Report
Chief Financial Officer Ben Armfield reported that Sonoma Valley Hospital closed Fiscal Year 2026 with four consecutive months of positive operating performance, continuing the Hospital’s recent financial improvement.
In June, the Hospital achieved an operating margin of approximately four percent, or $297,000, compared with a budgeted operating loss of approximately $237,000. Operating EBDA exceeded budget by 156 percent.
June concluded several months of improvement, driven by higher patient volumes and increased revenue. As the Hospital enters Fiscal Year 2027, the focus will be on building on that progress and maintaining the Hospital’s financial stability.
Closing
This month’s Board meeting was an important reminder that healthcare is truly a team effort.
The reports presented by the Hospital’s executive, medical, financial and human resources leaders demonstrated the wide range of skills and expertise required to provide high-quality care for our community. The presentation from the Sonoma County Health Services Agency also showed how important it is for hospitals, public agencies, nonprofit organizations and other community partners to work together.
That shared experience and commitment make both Sonoma Valley Hospital and our community stronger. On behalf of the Board, thank you to the physicians, nurses, employees, volunteers, community partners and supporters who contribute to this work every day.
Warm regards,
Wendy Lee-Myatt
Chair, Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board