BOARD CHAIR REPORT – April 2026
April 22, 2026Leer en español
BOARD LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY – APRIL 2026
Dear Sonoma Valley Community,
April brings a focus on several important healthcare themes, including National Minority Health Month, Stress Awareness Month, and National Public Health Week. These observances serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing health disparities, supporting mental health and wellness, and promoting overall health in our community. We are grateful to be part of a network of nonprofit organizations across Sonoma Valley that share a commitment to improving the health and well-being of those we serve.
Today & Together Presentation
The Board received a presentation from Christina Gonzalez on Today & Together, a new nonprofit adult day program serving individuals with dementia and others who require additional support.
It was reported that there are approximately 1,500 individuals in Sonoma Valley living with some form of dementia. The Today & Together program, located on the Hanna Center campus, is licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services to serve up to 75 participants per day, with a goal of averaging 50 participants to ensure a high level of personalized care.
The program operates out of a 5,600-square-foot facility that includes nine activity rooms designed to support both small group engagement and larger shared experiences. The leadership and care team bring more than 100 years of combined experience in aging and memory care, supported by a strong group of volunteers. The Board appreciated learning about this important community resource.
Annual Quality Report
Director of Quality and Risk Louise Wyatt presented the hospital’s Annual Quality Report, providing an overview of progress and priorities across the Quality Department.
Louise reported that the hospital’s quality program focuses on high-risk systems and processes, emphasizing outcome measurement, regulatory readiness, and sustained improvement. She noted that quality is a “team sport,” supported by interdisciplinary collaboration across nursing, medical staff, pharmacy, infection prevention, and quality leadership.
Highlights from the 2025 Quality Report included strong clinical outcomes in mortality, patient safety, stroke care, and sepsis management, with benchmarks exceeded. Infection control efforts eliminated CLABSI (central line-associated bloodstream infections) and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections, while other infection metrics met national benchmarks.
Louise also reported improvements in care coordination, contributing to better utilization metrics such as length of stay and reduced readmissions. Areas of focus for 2026 include strengthening documentation and ensuring timely policy review compliance to support continued regulatory readiness and care quality. Additional program updates included stroke care, Emergency Department performance, and patient experience through Q Reviews.
Chief Executive Officer Report
Chief Executive Officer Kelley Kaiser reported that the SVHCD and UCSF Affiliation Agreement has been fully executed. The Joint Operating Committee will now identify, evaluate, and implement initiatives that support the District’s mission to improve access to and quality of care in Sonoma Valley.
Kelley also reported on the recent Board Strategic Planning Offsite, where the updated Strategic Plan was reviewed. The plan focuses on Sustainability, Quality, Access and Experience, Community Engagement, and Connected Culture.
From a financial perspective, Kelley reported that February reflected a meaningful rebound from January, with results essentially in line with budget.
Kelley shared that the hospital continues to embed quality as a core organizing principle, with progress that includes a more structured cadence of review, stronger engagement across clinical and operational leadership, and improved alignment in how performance trends are evaluated over time. Ongoing work is focused on strengthening meeting structures, reporting pathways, and accountability, as well as preparing for the upcoming CIHQ survey window.
In the area of community engagement, Kelley reported that the hospital is developing a multi-channel approach to telling its story. This includes continued use of print advertising, the Healing Here at Home campaign, and the My Hospital campaign in partnership with the Foundation. Outreach also continues through social media, email communications, and the monthly Hospital Happenings newsletter, along with ongoing engagement with community partners including Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, Hanna Center, Vintage House, and the Boys & Girls Club.
Kelley also provided an update on organizational culture. Planning is underway for the first all-staff meeting in May, which will focus on the updated strategic plan and organizational goals. Leadership rounding efforts continue, and the employee engagement survey will be distributed in the coming weeks.
Chief Medical Officer Report
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Okolo reported on the hospital’s continued focus on quality as a central framework for operations.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear and consistent trajectory, noting that sustained direction over time is what drives performance. Dr. Okolo reported that the hospital has been strengthening its approach to quality by establishing a more regular cadence of review, increasing engagement from both clinical and operational leadership, and aligning quality discussions more closely with day-to-day operations.
Chief Financial Officer Report
Chief Financial Officer Ben Armfield reported that February represented a meaningful rebound from January’s softer performance.
The hospital posted an operating loss of $(210,000), approximately (1%), which was essentially in line with budget. Operating EBDA was positive at $148,000 for the month.
Ben noted that February’s performance is particularly encouraging given the shorter month, which typically reduces revenue-generating days. These results reinforce that January’s performance was a temporary disruption rather than an emerging trend.
Closing
The Board also recognizes the extraordinary dedication of our nursing staff. The DAISY Award honors nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill and compassion in their care.
In closing, we extend our appreciation to Chief Nursing Officer Jessica Winkler for her years of leadership and service to Sonoma Valley Hospital and our community. Her commitment has made a lasting impact across the organization, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.
Warm regards,
Wendy Lee Myatt
Chair, Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board
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