The Key Issue Confronting Sonoma Valley Health Care

By Robert J. "Bob" Gemmell

The existing Sonoma Valley Hospital Cannot survive in its current condition. If the hospital does not survive, much of the existing medical community will move from the Valley. Affiliation with Sutter Health Care is the only answer.

During 1999 and early 2000, an agreement was negotiated with the Sutter Health Care organization, the only group to show interest in maintaining our hospital. It is a good agreement and, when fully implemented, will continue and indeed improve the quality of health care in our valley. It even includes a modern, new hospital to be built and paid for by Sutter.

Before the agreement is implemented, however, much work remains to be done, such as improving the financial condition of the current hospital, finding a site for the new hospital and obtaining voter approval for acquisition and development of the site. Even if all of these hurdles are overcome, however, more of the Valley community must be convinced to utilize our local medical services. Otherwise, a hospital, even a new one, cannot survive.

I have been an active participant in this entire process spending many hours reviewing operating results, plans and budgets, contract and site proposals and negotiating with all parties to the agreement. Having now gained a good understanding of the many complex issues involved, it is my hope that I can continue and even expand my efforts to complete the affiliation agreement, expand community utilization of Valley medical services and save our hospital.

A few years ago when retiring, I was told retirees don't stop working, they just don't get paid for it. That is certainly true, however, the satisfaction of worthwhile accomplishment to fill a community need is sufficient reward. I hope the voters of the Valley will support my candidacy for Director of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District.