Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation presented checks totaling $17,300 to the hospital for its Emergency Department this week. ER Director Dr. Robbie Cohen was on hand at the foundation’s March 1 board meeting, where SVHF chair Carolyn Stone presented Dr. Cohen with the good news. The funds will help to underwrite emergency department losses.

Also receiving a gift on behalf of the Perioperative Services department at the hospital was Dr. Paul Amara. Thanks to foundation funding, Dr. Amara and his team can now make use of the latest technology in urodynamic diagnostics, making the testing for urinary incontinence disorders faster and more comfortable. Dr. Amara stated, “The new equipment will allow precise and reliable evaluation to help determine appropriate medical or surgical therapy. This is good medicine, as it allows a thorough assessment regarding the various causes of incontinence. One can then tailor therapy, which may include medicine, physical therapy, or minimally invasive surgery.” The foundation’s funding for the equipment totaled $13,825.

To support the foundation in its goal this year to replace all of the hospital’s antiquated beds (some from the 1960’s), the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Association was able to contribute $15,000 from the proceeds of the 2009 Harvest Wine Auction. The comfort and efficiency of the 45 new beds and their accompanying pressure relief mattresses also provided by the foundation, will aid healing and support caregiver safety, as well. Phase one of the new beds project is the installation of the first 17 beds into the Skilled Nursing Facility. To contribute to this important program, please make your tax-deductible donation to SVH Foundation, 347 Andrieux Street, Sonoma, CA, 95476, or contact Mary Caletges for more details at 707-935-5070 or caletgesm@svh.com.

Mark your calendar for the foundation’s annual springtime fundraiser benefiting women’s health, Celebration of Women at Sonoma Golf Club. This year, Celebration takes place Friday, May 14 at 11:30 a.m. The SVH Foundation’s Pulse Awards will be presented to Julie Atwood, Helen Fernandez, and Rose Mary Schmidt. Reservations are $100/person.

Contact: Mary Caletges
Tel: 707-935-5070
Fax: 707-935-5071
Email: caletgesm@svh.com