Psychiatric patients at Napa State Hospital would come to Sonoma Valley Hospital for acute care under a contract that would increase revenue at the Sonoma facility by 10 percent.
The pact, which replaces in part Napa State’s long-standing deal with Queen of the Valley Hospital, will add “six figures to the bottom line,” said outgoing CEO Tim Noakes. “It’s a significant source of new revenue.”
New Sonoma Valley CEO Kelly Mather will inheirit a community concern about safety. The majority of Napa State’s popluation are deemed not guilty for crimes by reason of insanity or are considered incompetent to stand trial. The remaining patients are severly disabled, unable to care for themselves, or are a danger to themselves or others.
Noakes said the majority of patients treated at Sonoma Hospital will come from the second category. “Many of these will be Medicare patients, with illnesses related to age, much as our own patient population.”
Under the initial plan, Napa State will transport the patients and provide security. Patients will not be handcuffed or wear identifiable uniforms. A distinct area will be set up for patients who spend the night – behind an unlocked door staffed by a security guard – but generally they will access hospital services and treatments like any other patients.
At least one security officer will be on duty at all times. Authorities at Napa State will assign additional personnel if warranted by the patient’s history.
SVH Chief Medical Executive Dr. Robert Cohen said he is satisfied with security measures and that his staff and other patients will not be at risk. “We wouldn’t take this on if we didn’t feel safe,” he said.
Napa State has an on-site nursing facility for preventative care and simple medical problems. For life-threatening emergencies, patients are taken to the nearest hospital, which is Queen of the Valley. Sonoma Valley would provide most all other services, including scheduled surgery, intensive care, imaging and lab services.
Staff from both hospitals are made field trips to each facility to learn process and policy, and Sonoma employees will receive some training in how to deal with incoming Napa State patients.
The deal could be finalized as soon as September. Strictly speaking, as a service contract the agreement does not need approval from the hospital board, the city or the police department. “Ultimately it’s a managed care contract,” Noakes said.
But administrators acknowledge that the security issue makes the deal potentially controversial, and said they are reaching out to answer any concerns city staff of members of the community might have. The hospital invites public comment at 935-5005 or administration@svh.com
“We want the community to be informed about this project and to give you a chance to pose any and all questions well before any decision is taken,” Noakes said.
