In a deal that could boost revenue by 10 percent, Sonoma Valley Hospital will provide medical services to psychiatric patients of Napa State Hospital starting September 1.
The contract, announced Friday, will “add six figures to the bottom line,” outgoing CEO Tim Noakes last month. “It’s a significant amount of revenue.”
The pact is a “win-win,” according to SVB Chief Executive Officer Kelly Mather. It ensures a new revenue stream for the local hospital while providing quality acute care for Napa State patients, she said.
The contract to provide non-emergency services replaces in part Napa State’s long-standing deal with Queen of the Valley Hospital.
Mather said she would work with the Sonoma officials to make sure all necessary and suggested security measures were put into practice. The plan calls for patients to be transported to Sonoma by Napa State medical staff and security officer.
In addition, Mather has asked for a new security guard to patrol the Sonoma campus from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The move is for the security of all patients and staff, she said, especially those who work late into the night.
Hospital officials said the contract was preceded by extensive study and planning to provide optimum security and confidence for Sonoma Valley Hospital staff, patients and surrounding community.
“The Medical Staff is looking forward to providing excellent clinical care to Napa State Hospital Patients,” said Chief Medical Executive Robert Cohen.
Safety concerns for patients and staff as well as for the community at large have been addressed, said Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board Chair Bill Boerum. Teams from both facilities “have concluded a careful assessment of the challenges and practices needed to ensure high quality care for this new stream of patients,” he said.
The contract marks a new stage in innovation and upward growth for Sonoma Valley Hospital, Mather said.
“(We are) undergoing a positive transformation,” she said. “The new agreement is an example of our approach to expand our services and increase our capability to carry out our mission to maintain and improve the health of everyone in our community.”
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