Sonoma West Medical Center Due to Open

Makaiya Gude gives the latest scoop on the Sonoma West Medical Center, coming soon.

Kiana Rosen

The new Sonoma West Medical Center is due to open soon with facilities and services to compete with the best in Northern California. “We have jumped through all the hoops the state of California has set in front of us, so we will be getting that green light any day now,” says Raymond Hino, CEO of Sonoma West.

Mikaiya Gude, Staff Writer

As a majority of us well know, the former Palm Drive Hos- pital was abruptly closed in 2014. Despite the strenuous efforts of their physicians, declining patient admissions and low reimburse- ment for treatment compelled The Health Care District’s Board to vote against the hospital’s continuation. The pending opening of Sonoma West Medical Center has caused quite a buzz this past year in our community. We couldn’t drive 100 feet without coming across a red and white sign pleading “Open Our Hospital,” but great strides have been made. We are now greeted by new advertisements optimistically informing us “Some- thing Wonderful is Happening,” and indeed it is.

But what makes Sonoma West so special in contrast to major hospi- tals in the region? Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing the CEO of Sonoma West, Raymond Hino. He has played a vital role in the re-opening process. After hav- ing the opportunity to speak with him, I was enlightened as to why this hospital is truly one of a kind. One of the most crucial components in re-opening is employing the right people. The top doctors and specialists will be offering their care and expertise to all members of our community. Not only does Sonoma West want the best medical professionals, but the best medical professionals want Sonoma West. This new philosophy of what healthcare should be has attracted major figures in the medical field.

The vision for Sonoma West is no small goal. In Raymond’s words, “This is going to be the best hos- pital in Northern California.” Sonoma West is going to have the ability to compete with Sutter, Kaiser, and Memorial. This is a great parallel from the small and limited capabilities of our prior hospital, Palm Drive. Sonoma West will be a major competitor with the myriad of hospitals in Northern California, but what aspects differentiate it from the thousands of other medi- cal providers in the industry? The main focus is to cater every patient with the best experience possible. Imagine heading to the emergency room and being provided with immediate care the minute you rush in. This is only a sample of

the typical treatment you would receive at Sonoma West. Other hospitals? An average wait time of 5 hours. Wouldn’t it be nice to stay in a private room with a beautiful courtyard view? To have a bedside tablet with access to Netflix and Skype? A gourmet menu created to nourish you and meet all of nutritional needs? A patient engagement center with an individual who can answer difficult questions involving insurance coverage and medical procedures? This all comes true at Sonoma West. They are also incorporating an integrative approach with some non-traditional services such as acupuncture, chiropractics, and hypnotherapy. This is quite fitting, because the region we live in is a magnet for alternative health methods. As you can see, Sonoma West is undoubtedly embracing the community and reflecting this within their practice. Through this, patients can feel a greater sense of home and comfort. However, Sonoma West continues to spread their benefits beyond their practice. They are already one of the top local employers, aiding in a better economy. So here we are, holding our breath until the hospital opens. “We have jumped through all the hoops the state of California has set in front of us, so we will be getting that green light any day now,” states Raymond. Until that moment arrives, we will eagerly await this greatly anticipated opening.