BOARD CHAIR REPORT – July 2025

July 24, 2025

Leer en español

Dear Sonoma Valley Community,

Happy July! I hope you’re enjoying the summer season with some time for rest and renewal. This month’s Board meeting was filled with updates that reflect the heart of our hospital—our employees. At Sonoma Valley Hospital, we know we’re only as strong as the people who show up every day to serve others with compassion and excellence. That commitment was evident in every update and discussion this month.

We began by thanking Dr. Smith, who served as a judge in Sonoma’s “Hometown” Fourth of July Parade which is a wonderful community tradition. And we’re especially grateful to the hospital staff who worked over the holiday, one of the busiest days of the year for our Emergency Department. Your commitment does not go unnoticed.

Human Resources Annual Report Highlights Workforce Strength
Chief Human Resources Officer Lynn McKissock presented the annual HR Report, focused on building a healthy and engaged workforce. The hospital’s benefits, training, and wellness programs all support strong staff morale and performance. This year’s employee engagement score came in at 4.29 (out of 5), a strong indicator of team alignment and satisfaction. Looking ahead, the HR team remains committed to providing a well-rounded, competitive benefits program that supports employees at every stage of their careers.

We were also proud to celebrate 38 SVH employees with service anniversaries ranging from 5 to 40 years. Their long-standing dedication is a powerful reflection of the hospital’s culture and values.

My Hospital Campaign Launches with Community Stories
We’re excited to support the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation’s launch of the My Hospital Campaign. This year-long initiative will share personal stories from Sonoma residents who have experienced the hospital’s care firsthand. These narratives highlight the impact SVH has on families and neighbors every day. Please see the campaign here.

Community Health: Blue Zones Initiative Screening
On the community health front, we’re thrilled to help bring Blue Zones to Sonoma—a globally recognized approach to living longer, healthier, and more connected lives. Film screenings are scheduled throughout July and early August, and we hope you’ll attend. Please see the show times and locations here.

Capital Investments and Financial Update
Ben Armfield, Chief Financial Officer and acting CEO, presented a Capital Projects Review to the Board. Our infrastructure investments continue moving forward. Two major milestones in the Outpatient Diagnostic Center are expected soon: the CT scanner was placed on emergency power, ensuring it remains operational during any power outage, and demolition of the Central Wing will be completed. We are also evaluating options for permanent installation of the 3T MRI.

The ICU Renovation is nearly complete, with five of six rooms already reopened. The sixth room will be back online by the end of the month. The Physical Therapy Expansion is nearly complete and awaiting final licensing from the California Department of Public Health before opening.

Financially, May was another strong month. Operating EBDA came in at $187K—just shy of budget but still a positive indicator. Year-to-date, we’re nearly $1 million ahead of both our budget and last year’s performance. Volumes were strong across the board, with an all-time record of nearly 1,100 visits to the Emergency Department in May—more than 34 visits a day.

Governance Updates and Committee Actions
The Board approved an amendment to combine the Finance and Audit Committees into one unified committee to streamline oversight. And in regard to the LAFCO election, all Board members abstained from voting.

Looking Ahead with Appreciation
For those unable to attend, a video recording of the July meeting is available here. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a healthier future for Sonoma Valley.

There will be no Board meeting in August, so I’ll look forward to reconnecting with you in September. Until then, thank you for your continued support of Sonoma Valley Hospital. We are deeply proud of the people who make this hospital such a vital part of our community.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Warm regards,

Wendy Lee Myatt
Board Chair, Sonoma Valley Health Care District