BOARD CHAIR REPORT – June 2025
June 13, 2025Leer en español
Dear Sonoma Valley Community,
Summer has arrived in Sonoma, bringing with it renewed gratitude for those who care for this community every day.
In May, we took time to recognize the dedicated professionals who make Sonoma Valley Hospital such a vital part of our region. During Nurses Week, we honored excellence in care with DAISY, Rose, and Phil Awards. Hospital Week celebrated the full hospital team, and EMS Week brought us together with the Sonoma Valley Fire District to connect with community members. While these events happen annually, our appreciation is year-round.
At our June Board Meeting, we heard two important annual updates that reflect the strength of our care teams and the hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Annual Hospital Quality Report
Louise Wyatt, Director of Quality and Risk, shared a comprehensive report across all areas of the Quality Department, and provided a comprehensive overview of the hospital’s progress and priorities:
Age-Friendly Health System: By implementing the 4Ms—What Matters, Mobility, Medication, and Mentation—the hospital has reduced discharges to Skilled Nursing Facilities and lowered the use of restraints, helping more patients return safely home.
Inpatient Ratings: In 2024, the hospital earned approximately 80% positive inpatient satisfaction scores. Areas for continued improvement include room amenities and meal quality.
“Q” Reviews: Overall patient satisfaction across hospital services averaged 4.84 out of 5. Notably, Outpatient Surgery Services scored 4.89, Imaging Services 4.90, Inpatient Services 4.80, and the Emergency Department 4.71.
Quality Scorecard: The Stroke Program continues to perform at a high level, delivering critical, timely care to patients in need.
Looking ahead, the Quality team will focus on advancing health equity, improving our CMS Star Rating, and strengthening transitions of care with local skilled nursing facilities. A key initiative is ensuring that patients leave the hospital with timely access to medications. Through a partnership with Adobe Drugs, prescriptions can now be delivered directly to patients’ homes—removing barriers and helping reduce the risk of readmissions.
Chief of Staff Report
Dr. Ako Walther, Chief of Staff, shared that our medical staff has grown to more than 135 credentialed providers, offering expertise across a wide range of specialties including emergency medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, and radiology. Patient satisfaction remains consistently high across all service areas. In 2024, Emergency Room care averaged a rating of 4.75 out of 5, while Inpatient care averaged 4.78. CAHPS scores were equally strong, with Ambulatory Surgery achieving an average of 85%—above the California state average of 81%—and Inpatient Services scoring 83%, compared to the statewide average of 78%. These results reflect the ongoing commitment of our medical team to delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to our community.
CFO and Interim CEO Update
Interim CEO and CFO Ben Armfield presented the FY26 Budget, which was approved by the Board. He also shared strong financials for April: the hospital posted an operating EBDA of $381,100—exceeding budget by more than $100,000. Revenue reached $6.6 million, driven by strong volumes in surgery, physical therapy, imaging, and IGT accruals. Cash collections totaled $4.97 million—20% above average—bringing Days Cash on Hand to 37.4. While expenses were higher than budget, largely due to IGT matching fees and two consecutive months of elevated health benefit claims, this trend is being closely monitored.
Ben also reported that the Physical Therapy Expansion remains on schedule, with project construction scheduled to be completed by the end of June. The ICU Renovation is also expected to finish this summer, with upgraded rooms, new flooring, and enhanced patient care areas. We are also excited to welcome Dr. Okolo in October as our new Chief Medical Officer. A gastroenterologist by training he will, initially, serve in the CMO role near full-time while establishing his local practice.
MRI Planning
Board Treasurer Ed Case presented a feasibility study from architectural firm 19.6, approved by the Finance Committee, to evaluate long-term options for housing the hospital’s new 3T MRI unit. Results from the study are expected within the next 6–8 weeks.
Finance Committee Appointments
We’re pleased to welcome Andrew Exner and Paul Chakmak to the Finance Committee. Their expertise and commitment to community service will be valuable assets as we continue to move forward.
Looking Ahead
Healthcare is a shared effort—and it truly takes a village. From our dedicated hospital team and medical staff to volunteers, partners, and community members, everyone plays a part in building a healthier Sonoma Valley.
Our next Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 10. Meeting materials and a recording will be available on our website for those who cannot attend in person or via Zoom.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Warm regards,
Wendy Lee Myatt
Board Chair, Sonoma Valley Health Care District
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