Smith proud of SVMC, endorses Reddy, Jindal
It has been my pleasure to serve on the board of the Sierra View Local Health Care District and Sierra View Medical Center (SVMC) for the past four years.
Due to an upcoming move for my work, I have not sought reelection to the board this year. This open seat has led to some contentious statements on various platforms, and although I take no credit for the successes, I would like to recognize and celebrate some of the positive things that have happened at the hospital during this soon-ending term. In summary, the hospital has continued to improve in quality of care and has received recognition for the quality of care numerous times.
SVMC is now listed in the US News and World Report’s as one of America’s Best Hospitals regarding its stroke program. All stroke metrics are above 90 percent.
The American Hospital Association issued SVMC the Get with the Guidelines Silver aware for 12 consecutive months of outstanding performance.
Most 30-Day readmission rates are well below the national benchmarks.
High marks in survey compliance for multiple departments including Food Service and Radiology.
$8 million in PRIME funding received for high performing quality metrics.
No patients acquired COVID-19 from their hospitalization at SVMC.
Development of the soon-to-be-completed Rural Health Clinic in Terra Bella to provide needed healthcare services to that community. And many more. By nearly all measures, the hospital is continuing to see improvements in quality performance. While quality has been the primary focus of management, employees and board, the district’s financial results have remained positive as well, even during the COVID crisis. While many healthcare organizations have struggled financially, the district was able to continue operating without layoffs while maintaining great financial strength. This financial stability will enable the district and hospital to continue to improve and move forward with strength into the future.
Contrary to some public statements, Sierra View Medical Center and the district aren’t in crisis! They’re doing well and will continue to be available to meet the district’s healthcare needs.
Early this year, I informed the entire board in an open session of my impending move and likelihood I would possibly resign from my seat before the term ended. The notification made was simply to provide all board members and management the opportunity to begin to plan for a potential change on the board. It wasn’t made for any other purpose. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the priorities of both the hospital and my own situation changed. Because of those changes, I will be able to complete my term and fulfill the commitment I made when I ran for the seat four years ago.
It has been my pleasure to serve the community in this capacity. It’s my desire to see the hospital and district continue to move forward with high quality care and responsible financial management.
For four years, I have served on the board, two of those as vice-chairman. Rakesh Jindal has consistently acted with only the public’s best interests in mind and has never sought any personal benefit from his role. I enthusiastically support and endorse Dr. Jindal in his reelection campaign. I also fully support the candidacy of Dr. Bindu Sagar Reddy to replace me to represent Zone 1. We interacted when he was in his role as Chief of Staff of the Medical Executive Committee and I always found him to also be focused on ensuring the healthcare services of the district meet the needs of the community.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Please vote this year. I highly support and endorse Rakesh Jindal, M.D. and Bindu Sagar Reddy, M.D. to help carry this hospital and healthcare district to even higher levels.