BOARD CHAIR REPORT – December 2025
December 12, 2025Leer en español
BOARD LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY – DECEMBER 2025
Dear Sonoma Valley Community,
As we wrap up 2025 and head into the holidays, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who is part of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District community. Your commitment to our patients and to one another is at the heart of this hospital. The work presented at this month’s Board meeting – from clinical services and technology to leadership, quality, and finances – reflects that shared effort and sets us up well for the year ahead.
Ancillary Services Annual Report
Chief Ancillary Services Officer Dawn Kuwahara presented the 2024 Ancillary Services Annual Report, reaffirming the essential role these departments play in delivering coordinated, high-quality care. Ancillary Services is supported by 120 staff members and five leaders, and includes Diagnostic Services (Imaging and Cardiology), Rehabilitation Services (Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy), Occupational Health, Workplace and Employer Services, Laboratory and Pathology, Patient Access, and Physician Clinics.
Quality measures across the departments remain strong, with most goals achieved, and patient satisfaction reached 4.93 out of 5. Volumes increased across nearly all service areas compared to 2023, with the exception of CT and Occupational Health, reflecting sustained demand and community trust.
Dawn also highlighted the team’s active engagement in community events such as Mammogram Spa Days, Emergency Preparedness activities, and the Back-to-School Health Fair. Professional development remains a core priority, with continued investment in staff training and certifications—a commitment that is both valued by leadership and embraced by the team.
Information Technology Annual Report
Director of Information Technology Bryan Lum presented the IT Annual Report and described a year focused on strengthening infrastructure, integration, and support for key strategic projects. He reported that the IT team has concentrated on improving interoperability between SVH’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and UCSF’s EMR, with particular emphasis on Laboratory and Radiology, to support seamless care and more efficient data exchange.
Brian noted that the team also played a critical role in supporting the Physical Therapy expansion and the installation of the 3T MRI, ensuring that systems, connectivity, and workflows were in place to support these capital investments. Looking ahead, he outlined goals and focus areas for the new year.
Stryker Surgical Video and OR Integration System
Chief Financial Officer Ben Armfield presented a recommendation, previously approved by the Finance Committee, to proceed with an agreement for procurement of Stryker’s surgical video and operating room integration system. He reported that, while the project is anticipated to be fully funded through philanthropic support from the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation, the hospital must formally execute the purchase agreement on behalf of the District.
Ben emphasized the critical nature of this equipment, noting that the current system was installed over a decade ago and will soon no longer be supported by the manufacturer. To mitigate that risk and ensure uninterrupted surgical services, management recommended moving forward with a three-month lease bridge option while the permanent solution is implemented. The Board approved the recommendation to proceed with the three-month lease.
Election of 2026 District Board Officers
The Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board elected the following officers for 2026:
- Board Chair – Wendy Lee Myatt
- Vice Chair – Denise Kalos
- 2nd Vice Chair – Dan Kittleson
- Treasurer – Ed Case
- Secretary – Dennis Bloch
Chief Medical Officer Report
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Okolo presented his report and provided an update on fourth-quarter priorities. He reported that barcode medication scanning exceeded 90 percent for the first time, marking a major patient safety milestone for the organization. He noted that core quality metrics remain stable, with targeted improvement plans in place where needed, and that corrective action plans with CIHQ are progressing, particularly in documentation and policy compliance.
Dr. Okolo also reported that the structure and governance of the 1206(b) clinics are under active review to strengthen the foundation for recruiting, hiring, and retaining primary care physicians. He emphasized that this work is essential to maintaining and expanding primary care access for the community, and he requested ongoing Board support as the 1206(b) structure is realigned to better support current and future needs.
Chief Executive Officer Report
Chief Executive Officer Kelley Kaiser provided her first Board update after completing her fourth week in the role. Her initial 90 days will focus on Board engagement, senior leadership alignment, strategic priorities, internal communication and visibility, and public and community relations.
Kelley has participated in Board, committee, and Foundation meetings and is working closely with senior leaders through regular touchpoints and weekly meetings with the Chiefs group. Together, they are developing a framework for cascading communications and clarifying how strategic priorities will advance operationally.
She has begun a comprehensive review of the hospital’s strategic priorities, with particular attention to UCSF partnership deliverables and seismic compliance. Internally, a November 10 Meet and Greet provided an opportunity to connect with staff, and daily rounds are helping her gain a deeper understanding of hospital operations and culture.
Kelley also highlighted early community engagement efforts, including the Veterans Day breakfast, meetings with the Mayor and City Council, participation in the Hospital Council for Northern and Central California, and discussions with the North Bay Leadership Council about SVH’s role in regional economic and business development.
Chief Financial Officer Report
Chief Financial Officer Ben Armfield reported that October was the strongest month of the fiscal year, continuing the positive trajectory seen throughout the summer and fall. Operating revenue totaled approximately $7.06 million—16 percent above budget—driven by broad-based volume growth, with gross charges exceeding $35 million, a new record for the organization.
Inpatient activity rose above recent trends, and outpatient volumes set another all-time high, finishing nearly 20 percent above budget. Surgical volumes were particularly strong, ending the month roughly 30 percent above budget, led by gastroenterology and orthopedics. Imaging volumes also remained a major contributor, with MRI exceeding 250 exams for the second consecutive month and CT, Mammography, and Ultrasound showing notable increases. These results reflect sustained community demand and continued strength in SVH’s clinical partnerships.
Operating expenses were $6.75 million, slightly above budget due to higher supply costs aligned with elevated volumes. Year-to-date, the hospital has generated more than $2 million in Operating EBDA and is sustaining a positive Operating Margin—marking a sharp contrast to prior years and underscoring meaningful financial momentum entering the second quarter.
Committee Updates – Quality Performance
Board member Dan Kittleson presented the Quality Performance Report for the third quarter of 2025 and reported strong outcomes across multiple key measures. He noted that the mortality rate remained below the target benchmark, PSI-90 patient safety indicators stayed below benchmark thresholds, blood culture contamination rates continued to meet target standards, and stroke measures sustained performance above benchmark expectations. Dan also reported significant improvement in risk-adjusted average length of stay.
He noted that, while overall performance remains strong, several isolated events in August warrant continued attention. Dan emphasized that these events highlight areas for ongoing monitoring and improvement, and he reported that preventive strategies and staff education will be reinforced to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
As we head into the holiday season, I am deeply grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and compassion of every member of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District, in partnership with UCSF. Thank you to our physicians, nurses, staff, Foundation partners, volunteers, and community members for supporting high-quality care close to home. I wish you and your loved ones good health in the weeks ahead and encourage everyone to be well and stay connected as we look forward to continuing our mission to maintain, improve, and restore the health of our community in 2026.
Warm regards,
Wendy Lee Myatt
Chair, Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board
E-Mail
