Petaluma Valley Hospital vote delayed

Elece Hempel, board president, cited the “complex” process of transitioning from St. Joseph Health to the board’s choice of Paladin Healthcare as its new operator.|
CHRISTI WARREN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Petalumans will no longer be voting to approve an operator for Petaluma Valley Hospital on June 6, as had long been the Petaluma Health Care District’s plan.

The announcement came Friday at the PHCD board meeting, also the last day to submit a ballot measure for the June vote.

In a news release, Elece Hempel, board president, cited the “complex” process of transitioning from St. Joseph Health as the hospital’s operator to the board’s choice of Paladin Healthcare as its new operator.

The board has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Paladin, but St. Joseph Health will continue to operate the hospital until Paladin is approved by voters.

“The District and Paladin need additional time to finalize the terms of the lease agreement, and Paladin and St. Joseph need time to discuss and agree upon the terms of an operations transfer agreement that will ensure a smooth transition of hospital operations,” Hempel said.

You can reach Staff Writer Christi Warren at 707-521-5205 or christi.warren@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @SeaWarren.

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