Sonoma Valley Hospital announces survey results

Sonoma Valley Hospital finds a notable turnaround in community perceptions|

Sonoma Valley Hospital recently retained an outside research company to better understand perceptions of the hospital among Sonoma Valley residents, both broadly and in key service areas.

The survey took two forms – a random local phone survey and an online survey. The questions provided opportunities for respondents to offer personal opinions and share experiences, which most did.

In all, 317 local residents participated in the survey. A high percentage of respondents (70 percent) were above the age of 60, which is a core audience for Sonoma Valley Hospital services. Of the total, 89 percent said they or a family member had used our services in the past three years, with more than half doing so three or more times.

* 95 percent said they see the emergency department (ER) as “essential” to the community

* 91 percent see the hospital and its services as “important” or “very important” to the health of the community

* 77 percent have a “favorable” or “extremely favorable” perception of the hospital

* 43 percent report their perceptions of the hospital have improved in the past couple of years; just 6 percent report it has become worse.

When asked why their perceptions have improved, more than a third cite the new wing and extensive remodel as main reasons.

* 82 percent report being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the level of care they recently received

* 76 percent report they plan to use Sonoma Valley Hospital again.

Of the 24 percent who said they will not do so, most cite practical reasons such as that their insurance does not allow it, or their physician (often out of town) does not use it. Only a small number report it is because of a bad personal experience at SVH.

The survey also found that Kaiser patients use the hospital and support it. Within the sample were 54 Kaiser patients, of whom 76 percent had used hospital services for themselves or family members. Almost all had visited the emergency department, and some had also used other services such as radiology or lab. Their opinions were as positive as those from non-Kaiser patients.

“I feel these survey results reflect a notable turnaround in community perceptions of the hospital, especially when compared with the comments heard as recently as five or six years ago when many were questioning SVH’s viability,” said Kelly Mather, president and CEO. “There’s more work to be done,” she acknowledged.

Mather added, “On a deeper level, the survey exposes the strong emotional connection many have with their hospital, one we hope will grow even stronger in the years ahead. This share of heart is a critical component of the New Community Hospital Model we are creating. It is reflected in many elements driving this model – the emphasis on wellness, the Healing Hospital orientation and the culture it creates, and our broad and diverse Population Health initiatives – all of which affirm the human element in health and healing.”

Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridn@sonomanews.com.

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