LAFCO
Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study: Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
Read the report at Local Agency Formation Commissions ↗
LAFCO
of Monterey County
_
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY
2018 Municipal Service Review and
Sphere of Influence Study:
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
Adopted by the Commission on March 26, 2018
COMMISSIONERS
Chair Simón Salinas, County Member
Vice Chair Warren E. Poitras, Special District Member
Luis Alejo, County Member, Alternate
Sherwood Darington, Public Member
Matt Gourley, Public Member, Alternate
Joe Gunter, City Member
Maria Orozco, City Member, Alternate
Jane Parker, County Member
Ralph Rubio, City Member
Graig R. Stephens, Special District Member
Vacant, Special District Member, Alternate
STAFF
Kate McKenna, AICP, Executive Officer
Darren McBain, Senior Analyst
Joe A. Serrano, Senior Analyst
Gail Lawrence, Clerk to the Commission
Tiffany Hutchison, Administrative Assistant
Leslie J. Girard, General Counsel
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY
132 W. Gabilan Street, Suite 102, Salinas, CA 93901
P.O. Box 1369, Salinas, CA 93902
(831)754-5838
www.monterey.lafco.ca.gov
LAFCO of Monterey County 2
Table of Contents
District at a Glance ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Executive Summary
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Report Overview and Organization ................................................................................................................ 7
Key Findings ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Recommended Actions ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study
District History and Facilities ........................................................................................................................ 15
District Boundary and Sphere of Influence................................................................................................. 20
Innovative Partnerships and Shared Services ............................................................................................ 26
Governance, Transparency and Accountability ........................................................................................ 28
Finances............................................................................................................................................................... 30
Additional Services and Accomplishments ................................................................................................ 36
Future Challenges and Opportunities ......................................................................................................... 39
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................... 41
Determinations
Municipal Service Review Determinations ..................................................................................................... 43
Sphere of Influence Determinations .................................................................................................................. 45
Appendix
Sources and Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... 47
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 3
[This page left blank intentionally.]
LAFCO of Monterey County 4
2018 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE STUDY
FOR SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – At a Glance
Formation Date June 20, 1947
Local Health Care District Law (Health & Safety Code, Division 23, Sections
Legal Authority
32000-32492)
Five-Member Board of Directors, each of which is elected to a four-year term by
Board of Directors
registered voters within a specific District geographic zone
The District boundaries contain approximately 478 square miles. The District
District Area
currently has no Sphere of Influence beyond its boundaries.
Sphere of Influence Area The District’s Sphere of Influence is coterminous with its jurisdictional boundary.
Population Approximately 212,000 (United States Census Bureau, 2016 Data)
Health and Safety Code Sections 32121-32138 authorizes various powers including
Authorized Powers the ability to build and operate hospitals and other healthcare facilities in
underserved areas.
$481 million operating revenues
$8 million non-operating revenues
Budget (FY 2017-18)
$464 million operating expenses
$25 million net District income
To be a center of excellence where an inspired team delivers compassionate and
culturally sensitive care, outstanding quality, and an exceptional patient
experience. (Website)
Vision
The Vision of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is to be a leader in
healthcare and state-of-the-art technology with a team of highly trained,
motivated healthcare professionals. (Bylaws)
It is the mission of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System to provide quality
healthcare to our patients and to improve the health and well-being of our
community. (Website)
Mission
The mission of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is to improve the
healthcare of individuals residing within the geographic boundaries of the District
as well as in areas contiguous to the District. (Bylaws)
President/Chief
Pete Delgado
Executive Officer
450 East Romie Lane
Salinas, CA 93901
Contact Information
831-757-4333
Website http://www.svmh.com/
The SVMHS Vision and Mission Statements reflect the purpose and values which guide the District’s delivery of healthcare
services. The District By-Laws reflect the District’s purpose as a political entity.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 5
[This page left blank intentionally.]
LAFCO of Monterey County 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
This Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study provides information about the services and
boundaries of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS). The report is for use by the Local
Agency Formation Commission in conducting a statutorily required review and update process. The
Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act requires that the Commission conduct periodic reviews and updates of
Spheres of Influence of all cities and special districts in Monterey County (Government Code section
56425). It also requires LAFCO to conduct a review of municipal services before adopting Sphere updates
(Government Code section 56430). As discussed in the Key Findings, below, this study finds that Salinas
Valley Memorial Healthcare System is a well-organized district that engages with the community and
successfully provides essential medical services to residents within and outside its existing jurisdictional
and sphere boundaries. The study also recommends a sphere expansion for the District.
REPORT OVERVIEW AND ORGANIZATION
This Executive Summary presents a brief overview of the study, key findings, and recommended actions.
The Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study has a total of 7 sections highlighting the
District’s history, existing jurisdictional and sphere boundaries, current service provisions, governance
structure, shared services, financial performance, and future opportunities and challenges.
The Determinations section concludes the study with statutory determinations required for all municipal
service reviews and sphere of influence studies pursuant to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act.
These sections are followed by a brief Appendix with sources/acknowledgements.
KEY FINDINGS
Following are the key findings of the Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study:
1. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is one of the largest healthcare districts in California.
The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, with over half a billion dollars in total assets, is
ranked the fifth largest public healthcare district in the entire state. While the Salinas Valley Memorial
Hospital continues to be the District’s core component, SVMHS now operates an integrated network
of healthcare programs and services with medical facilities located in Monterey and Santa Cruz
Counties. The District’s boundary currently includes the Cities of Gonzales and Salinas, a portion of
the City of Marina and the communities of Castroville, Chualar, Prunedale, Moss Landing and
Spreckels. Because services are not limited to District residents, pursuant to Health and Safety Code
Section 32001, SVMHS provides services to a larger population beyond its designated boundary. In
total, 50% of SVMHS patients are residents within the District, with the remaining 50% originating
outside the District’s jurisdiction and sphere of influence boundaries.
2. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is financially sound.
The District has experienced a significant financial turnaround since 2012. For the past five years, total
revenues have exceeded total expenditures on an annual basis. Policies, procedures and practices
include regular audits and oversight of revenue and expenses by the Chief Executive Officer and Board
of Directors. Based on the audited financial statements ending in June 30, 2016, total revenue for
SVMHS was $450 million. Patient service revenues account for 97% of overall revenues. Only one-
percent of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s revenues are derived from property taxes. The
remaining two-percent of total revenue is primarily donations, investment income and other
miscellaneous funds. SVMHS also reinvests revenue surplus back into its facilities, technology and
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 7
equipment in order to maintain quality care. For the past five years, on average, Salinas Valley
Memorial Healthcare System’s revenues exceeded expenses by approximately $32 million. Based on
the fiscal indicators analyzed in this study, SVMHS operates in a financially responsible manner.
3. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has undergone a dramatic transformation following
an improvement initiative and a District-wide restructuring effort to advance internal
operations, improve district representation, maintain excellence in patient care, and meet the
needs of a changing healthcare landscape.
2012 was a pivotal year for Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. During that time, SVMHS
transitioned from at-large election process to zone-based elections. That same year, SVMHS initiated
a performance improvement plan to comply with legal requirements for public transparency and
accountability following recommendations from the State Auditor. Utilization of strategic
partnerships with neighboring hospitals, including Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
and Natividad Medical Center, further extended the District’s goal of making healthcare available and
accessible beyond its existing boundary. Lastly, SVMHS completed the $42 million hospital retrofit in
2012 deeming the District earthquake-compliant until 2030. These significant events led SVMHS to
address public health challenges and fulfill state mandates without negative impacts to its overall
financial status for the past six years. Today, SVMHS serves over half a million patients through a
network of affiliations and in 42 different locations.
4. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System owns one of the remaining publicly-operated
hospitals in California. The Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital has been recognized for excellence
at the local, state, and national level.
According to the 2017 Little Hoover Commission Special Districts Report, less than 50% of healthcare
districts in the state operate a hospital. Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital is one of four hospitals in
Monterey County and represents one of the 39 district hospitals in California. Publicly-operated
hospitals represent only 10% of all hospitals in the state. SVMHS has also received very high ratings
from various medical-assessment establishments including Joint Commission, Healthgrades, and
the Leapfrog Group. Within the last fiscal year, over 100,000 patients were administered at the Salinas
Valley Memorial Hospital.
5. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has a long history with CHOMP and Natividad
Medical Center. Despite the highly competitive environment, SVMHS has built a strong
partnership with these neighboring hospitals.
While the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP), Natividad Medical Center and
SVMHS have historically competed for hospital admissions, the three hospitals have laid out a new
form of cooperation following a series of collaborative efforts - improving the healthcare delivery
countywide in the process. In 2006, SVMHS and CHOMP stepped forward and agreed to give bail-
out funds to revitalize Natividad as the regional public safety net hospital. In 2012, SVMHS faced
financial difficulties and sought to affiliate with a partner to strengthen its ability to provide high
quality, full-service, cost efficient healthcare for local residents. While SVMHS opted to continue to
operate as a stand-alone medical facility, these past efforts encouraged further coordination with the
neighboring hospitals and ultimately sparked a dramatic transformation for Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System.
Today, the District has a network of affiliations in multiple counties including the recently approved
joint ownership venture between SVMHS and Montage Health’s three companies: Aspire Health Plan,
Community Health Innovations and Coastal Management Services. Under this historic partnership,
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System now owns 49% stake of the three entities and equal
representation on the governing boards while Montage retains 51% ownership. The two hospitals
remain independent; however, this joint-venture supports their shared goals of making healthcare
available and accessible to all Monterey County residents. SVMHS has also joined Montage Health
LAFCO of Monterey County 8
and Natividad Medical Center to provide patients with access to their health information online via a
secure internet portal called Central Coast Health Connect. CCHC allows patients to keep tabs on
their appointment information and test results and communicate with care providers conveniently
when they have non-urgent health questions and concerns.
6. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is a model healthcare district spearheading efforts to
address community needs through geographic expansions and establishing service networks.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System continues to invest in medical facility upgrades,
improvements to outpatient services, and expansions of critical medical amenities to underserved
communities. Most recently, SVMHS opened a new $4 million Diabetes & Endocrine Center in July
2017 to be a one-stop shop for diabetes treatment and research in the county. While SVMHS has a
variety of healthcare facilities in operation, the District continues to reinvest in areas outside its limits
to further expand medical services to communities in need through partnerships with private and
public organizations. SVMHS is working to streamline the transfer of patients from Hazel Hawkins
Memorial Hospital (operated by the San Benito Healthcare District in San Benito County) and Mee
Memorial Hospital in King City to its facilities for medical services and procedures those institutions
cannot provide. SVMHS also provides a weekly cardiology clinic at Mee Memorial Hospital to connect
its patients with advanced cardiac care.
7. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and Soledad Community Health Care District
collaborate in delivering healthcare services to South Monterey County.
Monterey County has two healthcare districts: SVMHS and the Soledad Community Health Care
District (CHCD). While SVMHS provides services throughout Monterey County, Soledad CHCD
primarily serves the Soledad community in South Monterey County which is defined by the Federal
Government as a medically underserved area with a medically underserved population. This
designation includes areas that demonstrate a shortage of healthcare services. Soledad CHCD
currently operates two healthcare facilities in the Soledad community. SVMHS provides further
assistance by operating an additional three facilities in South Monterey County including the new
Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center in Gonzales. This state-of-the-art center specifically
focuses on prevention, wellness and disease management in South Monterey County communities.
Both healthcare districts are championing efforts to deliver much-needed healthcare in the southern
region by complementing one another’s medical services.
8. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s sphere of influence boundary warrants expansion
to the remaining portion of Marina and the communities in northern and southern regions of
Monterey County.
Boundaries of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System have not changed since 1947 (see Figure 1).
The LAFCO Executive Officer has reviewed the District’s current Sphere of Influence and service
boundary in consultation with the SVMHS Executive Team and found that a sphere expansion is
appropriate to better reflect Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s actual service area. SVMHS
currently serves several communities within the northern and southern region of the county which are
outside the District’s existing service and sphere boundaries. LAFCO staff recommends expanding the
District’s sphere to the north and south. This proposed sphere expansion should also include the
remaining portion of the City of Marina. Approximately 1,300 acres of Marina are already within the
District’s jurisdictional boundary. SVMHS also owns and operates one of its seven Doctor on Duty
locations in the City of Marina but the facility is currently outside its District boundary. Additionally,
SVMHS owns a vacant parcel in the City of Marina which may be developed as a future medical facility
– further investing resources and expanding healthcare services to the Marina community.
If approved, the recommended sphere of influence, which utilized school district boundaries and other
municipal borders, would include the unincorporated communities of Las Lomas, Oak Hill, and Pajaro
and the Cities of Greenfield, Gonzales, King City, Marina (remaining portion) and Soledad. The
proposed sphere expansion would also overlap with Soledad CHCD. Due to the importance of SVMHS
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 9
and Soledad CHCD in the southern region, no changes to Soledad CHCD’s jurisdictional or service
delivery are being recommended. The proposed sphere expansion for SVMHS will simply reflect the
established and complementary service relationship between both healthcare districts.
Representatives of Soledad CHCD support the recommended sphere expansion for SVMHS.
9. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is actively preparing for emerging trends.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System regularly evaluates critical health needs through an
extensive community health needs assessment in an effort to address healthcare issues and expand
methods of providing healthcare services. Future service efforts are based on the results of these
community assessments. SVMHS is also making it a priority to continue improving the District’s
overall financial performance to help its bond rating in preparation for a potential bond measure to
improve outdated facilities. This effort would provide locally-controlled funding to reduce emergency
room wait time, expand treatment centers, upgrade operating rooms and intensive care units, enhance
women and children services, and improve access to high-quality care. Community input is currently
underway before SVMHS moves forward with this potential ballot measure.
Another future challenge being addressed by the District is state mandates. Hospitals are required to
meet state seismic safety regulations While the 2012 retrofitting has deemed the District earthquake-
compliant until 2030, SVMHS is still required to meet state regulations going forward. Anticipated
retirement of nurses and physicians has also caused the SVMHS to continue its emphasis on
recruitment as an ongoing priority. The District has adopted an aggressive recruitment program to
attract additional physicians and medical professionals in various specialties to the area. In addition
to anticipated internal adjustments, SVMHS also continues to adapt to significant external changes
such as the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and its potential repeal. SVMHS and other
healthcare providers may need to explore options to maintain current health coverage to all California
residents. As a proactive healthcare district, SVMHS is already taking steps to provide medical services
to uninsured and underserved areas throughout the county. In FY 2016-17, SVMHS provided more
than $86 million in uncompensated care to uninsured and underinsured communities countywide.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Based on the analysis and recommendations in the 2018 Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence
Study for Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, the Executive Officer recommends adoption of a
resolution to:
1. Find that pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the recommended sphere
expansion is not subject to the environmental impact evaluation process because it can be seen
with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect
on the environment and the activity is not subject to CEQA;
2. Find that pursuant to Section 15306 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the service review and sphere
of influence study is not subject to the environmental impact evaluation process because the
service review and sphere study consist of basic data collection, research, management, and
resource evaluation activities that will not result in a serious or major disturbance to an
environmental resource. The project is strictly for information gathering purposes and is a part of
a study leading to an action that has not yet been approved, adopted or funded;
3. Determine, pursuant to Government Code Section 56430, the Local Agency Formation
Commission for Monterey County is required to conduct a service review before, or in conjunction
with an action to establish or update a sphere of influence;
LAFCO of Monterey County 10
4. Determine, pursuant to Government Code Section 56425, the Local Agency Formation
Commission for Monterey County is required to develop and determine a sphere of influence for
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, and review and update, as necessary;
5. Adopt the Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study for Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System;
6. Based on the Study’s recommended determinations,
a. Expand Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s sphere of influence boundary to add
the unincorporated communities of Las Lomas, Oak Hill, and Pajaro and the Cities of
Greenfield, King City, Marina (remaining portion) and Soledad (See Figure 2).
b. Direct the Executive Officer to continue discussions with Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System to explore other opportunities including but not limited to the
annexation of the SVMHS-owned parcel located within the City of Marina.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 11
Figure 1: Existing Boundaries of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
LAFCO of Monterey County 12
Figure 2: Recommended Sphere of Influence of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 13
[This page left blank intentionally.]
LAFCO of Monterey County 14
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE STUDY
SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL HISTORY AND FACILITIES
The planning and fundraising efforts for Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System began in 1941, when
the Salinas Community Hospital Association was formed. A local businessman donated the land for the
hospital's Romie Lane site, and nearly $300,000 was raised. The campaign was put on hold with the onset
of World War II. In 1947, the California State Legislature passed legislation allowing communities to
establish taxation districts to build hospitals. In the same year, local voters approved the formation of the
“Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital District” with a five-member board of directors. The District
boundaries covered a largely rural, and primarily unincorporated, area in the northern Salinas Valley.
The 138-bed Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital opened on April 20, 1953 with 100 employees and 45
physicians. The modern facility, at that time, offered medical and surgical patient floors, pathology and
radiology labs, operating rooms, a fracture room, a physical therapy unit, and a pediatric unit with a
nursery and a "pacing room" for fathers-to-be. Exhibit A illustrates historical achievements by Salinas
Valley Memorial Healthcare System since its inception in 1941.
Significant advancements in technology and medicine have since evolved the District’s acute care hospital.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s main hospital building today contains a 263-bed general
acute care facility. It encompasses 263,000 square feet, with an additional 135,000 contained in other main
campus structures and 35,000 square feet in off-campus hospital parking, storage and administrative
space.
To date, there are 398 hospitals in California. Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital is one of 39 district
hospitals. Publicly-operated hospitals represent only 10% of all hospitals in the state. The rest of the
hospitals in California include 209 nonprofit hospitals, 90 investor-owned private hospitals, 50 hospitals
run by health systems and 10 veterans hospitals. According to the 2017 Little Hoover Commission Special
Districts Report, less than half of the 79 healthcare districts in California operate a hospital.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has now grown beyond its acute care hospital to meet
community needs. Exhibit B provides an overview of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s
operational components. A total of 42 facilities, owned or affiliated with SVMHS, are in operation or
scheduled for operation in the near future throughout Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties.
These facilities include the Salinas Valley Medical Clinic, Wellness Centers, Outpatient Care and
Diagnostic Centers, and Urgent Care Clinics such as Doctors on Duty. While SVMHS has a variety of
healthcare facilities available at
this time, the District continues to
reinvest in areas to further expand
medical services to communities in
need. SVMHS currently owns a
vacant parcel in the City of Marina
which may be developed into a
new medical facility in the
foreseeable future. Additionally,
SVMHS is collaborating with the
San Benito Healthcare District to
provide services within the Hazel
Hawkins Memorial Hospital in
San Benito County. Figure 3
identifies the location of each
SVMHS current and future facility.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 15
Exhibit A: Summary of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s History
•The Salinas Community Hospital Association is formed. Land is donated for the Romie Lane site and $300,000 is
raised, but campaign is put on hold because of WWII.
1941
•Voters approve the formation of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital District.
1947
•Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital opens in April with 138 beds, 100 employees and 45 physicians.
1953
•SVMHS‘ first quarter-century is marked by significant advancements in technology and the Hospital transforms
1953- into the comprehensive, integrated healthcare system that it is today.
1978
•The Harden Memorial Heart Center (HMHC) opens and will grow to be a nationally-recognized Regional Heart
Program within its first 15 years.
1987
•SVMHS is named one of the 100 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals for Cardiac Intervention.
1999
•SVMHS is named one of the 100 Top Hospitals for Stroke Care.
2002
•SVMHS is ranked in the top two percent of hospitals nationwide for patient safety.
2004
•SVMHS and CHOMP agreed to give $10million in bail-out funds to revitalize Natividad Medical Center.
2006
•SVMHS transitioned from at-large elections to zone-based elections. The District initiated a performance
improvement plan to comply with legal requirements for public transparency and accountability. SVMHS
2012 completed the $42 million hospital retrofit in 2012 deeming the District earthquake-compliant until 2030.
•SVMHS opens the Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art health and wellness center
in Gonzales.
2015
•Historic partnership between SVMHS and Montage Health approved -creating a joint ownership of Montage's
Aspire Health Plan, Coastal Management Services and Community Health Innovations.
2016
•SVMHS opens a new $4 million Diabetes & Endocrine Center. SVMHS receives fifth consecutive "A" Rating for
Patient Safety from The Leapfrog Group (2013-2017).
2017
LAFCO of Monterey County 16
Exhibit B: Overview of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Operational Components
Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
•An acute care hospitallicensed for263 beds andamedical staffof 335 physicians practicing in42medical
specialtiesandsubspecialties.Thehospitalemploysmorethan1,600peopleandhas269volunteers.
Urgent Care Clinics
•SVMHS serves as the 85% majority owner of 10 urgent care centers inMonterey and Santa Cruz counties,
including Doctors on Duty, Salinas Urgent Care, Harden Urgent Care and the student health center at
California State University, Monterey Bay. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System also has 20%
ownershipinthreePinnacleUrgentCarecenters—twoinSalinasandoneinKingCity.
Salinas Valley Medical Clinic
•A multispecialty clinic operated pursuant to California Health & Safety Code 1206(b), which includes 15
physicianspecialties,approximately85providers,andaDiabetesCareClinic.
Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center in Gonzales
•Aprimarycareclinicthatprovidespreventivecare,wellnessinitiativesanddiseasemanagementprograms.
This center helps local families stay on track with checkups and immunizations, make healthy changes to
theirlifestylesandmanagechronicconditions.
Outpatient Care and Diagnostic Centers
•The Ryan Ranch Center for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging, provides patients access to cardiology experts
andtoptechnologiesforcomprehensivecardiovasculardiagnosis.
•The Cardiovascular Diagnostic Outpatient Clinic in Salinas, provides cardiac and vascular imaging and
cardiac stress tests for patients with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, neurovascular
disease, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and vascular disease, as well as those needing
cardiovascularriskassessmentsandhelpwithcardiovasculardiseaseprevention.
•The Cardiac Wellness Center, provides comprehensive cardiac care and wellness services for patients who
have undergone a heart procedure. One of only 37 such programs in California certified by the American
Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, this program includes medically supervised
exercise,education,supportandencouragementinasafe,monitoredsetting.
•The Wound Healing Center – a physician-led, technologically advanced outpatient center designed
specificallyforpatientswithchronic,non-healingwounds.
•The Cancer Resource Center, a program that provides patients, family members and the public with
information and resources related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, risk reduction and emotional support.
ThisprogramisavailablefreeofchargetotheentirecommunityandisnotrestrictedtopatientsofSVMHS.
•TheNancyAusonioMammographyCenter,providesbreastcancerdiagnosticandscreeningprocedures.
•The Sleep Medicine Center, provides diagnoses and therapies for people with sleep disorders such as
insomnia,narcolepsy,sleepapnea,snoringandrestlesslegsyndrome.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 17
Figure 3: Overview of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Facilities (Part 1 of 2)
LAFCO of Monterey County 18
Figure 3: Overview of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Facilities (Part 2 of 2)
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Facilities (By Ownership or Affiliation)
1 Brookdale at Harden Ranch
2 Cardiac Wellness Center/Salinas Valley Medical Clinic Sleep/Wake
3 Comprehensive Cancer Resource Center
4 CSUMB Campus Health Center
5 Doctors On Duty – Aptos
6 Doctors On Duty - Marina
7 Doctors On Duty - Monterey
8 Doctors On Duty - Salinas
9 Doctors On Duty – Santa Cruz
10 Doctors On Duty- Seaside
11 Doctors On Duty - Watsonville
12 Harden Urgent Care
13 Human Resources
14 Monterey Peninsula Surgery Center - Capitola Surgery Center
15 Monterey Peninsula Surgery Center - Cass Street Facility
16 Monterey Peninsula Surgery Center - Munras Avenue
17 Monterey Peninsula Surgery Center - Ryan Ranch Facility
18 Monterey Peninsula Surgery Center - Salinas Surgery Center
19 Nancy Ausonio Mammography Center
20 Outpatient MRI Services
21 Patient Financial Services
22 Pinnacle Healthcare Urgent Care Center - Salinas
23 Pinnacle Healthcare Urgent Care Center - Salinas
24 Pinnacle Healthcare Urgent Care Center - Kings City
Ryan Ranch Center for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging/Salinas Valley Medical Clinic PrimeCare
25
Monterey/Salinas Valley Medical Clinic Central Coast Cardiology Monterey
26 Regional Wound Healing Center
27 Salinas Urgent Care
28 Salinas Valley Imaging Center
29 Salinas Valley Medical Clinic – Multi-Specialty
30 Salinas Valley Medical Clinic – Cancer Care/Salinas Valley Medical Clinic Palliative & Supportive Care
31 Salinas Valley Medical Clinic – Cardio Thoracic Surgery/Perinatal Diagnostic Center
32 Salinas Valley Medical Clinic – Central Coast Cardiology/Cardiovascular Diagnostic Outpatient Center
33 Salinas Valley Medical Clinic – Health Care for Women
Salinas Valley Medical Clinic – Orthopedics, Podiatry & Sports Medicine/Salinas Valley Medical Clinic
34
MRI Services/Salinas Valley Medical Clinic Physical Therapy/SVMHS Education Center
Salinas Valley Medical Clinic – PrimeCare Medical Group Salinas/Salinas Valley Medical Clinic
35
Diabetes & Endocrine Center
36 Salinas Valley Medical Clinic – Surgery
37 Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
38 Salinas Valley PrimeCare Medical Group
39 SVMHS Cardiology Clinic at Mee Memorial Hospital
40 Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center
41 Vantage Eye Center
42 SVMHS-owned Undeveloped Site (Potential Future Facility)
Note – Locations are based on District’s website (https://www.svmh.com/Locations.aspx) and from
information provided by SVMHS staff
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 19
SVMHS EXISTING SERVICE BOUNDARY AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Existing Boundaries and Sphere of Influence
The original boundary of the District was approved by voters in 1947 and has remained unchanged. The
Sphere of Influence was first adopted by LAFCO in 1983, which is coterminous to the District boundary,
has also remained unchanged. The District boundary and Sphere of Influence are shown in Figure 1.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System includes the communities of Castroville, Chualar, Prunedale,
Moss Landing, Spreckels, and the Cities of Gonzales, Marina (portion of) and Salinas. Along its southern
boundary, the District abuts the Soledad Community Health Care District, which is the only other
healthcare district in Monterey County.
Within the past 50 years, one boundary change proposal has been submitted to LAFCO for consideration.
In 1978, the District considered detaching a portion of the incorporated City of Marina. Proponents stated
that these areas should be detached because the majority of the City of Marina was outside the healthcare
district and most residents used hospital facilities at Fort Ord or on the Monterey Peninsula. LAFCO
denied the proposal because the District lacked a Sphere of Influence at the time and the future status of
the Fort Ord Hospital was still unknown. The Silas B. Hays Army Community Hospital at Ford Ord has
since closed following closure of the military base in 1995.
Monterey County Healthcare Districts
Monterey County has two healthcare districts: Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and the
Soledad Community Health Care District (CHCD). Both play a critical role in Monterey County, which
experiences a higher rate in health issues in comparison to other counties in the state. Based on SVMHS’
2017 Community Health Needs Assessment Report, a number of health needs were identified including (1)
diabetes & obesity, (2) access to & delivery of care, (3) behavioral health, (4) violence & preventable
injury, (5) economic security, (6) cardiovascular disease/stroke, (7) cancers, (8) maternal/infant health, (9)
oral health, and (10) infectious diseases. Two major health issues affecting Monterey County today are
uninsured patients and obesity. The Public Policy Institute of California reports that Medicaid and
uninsured patients account for more than 80% of inpatient stays in California’s county hospital systems.
In FY 2016, SVMHS provided more than $86 million in uncompensated care to uninsured and underinsured
communities countywide. Obesity is another medical issue affecting Monterey County. A 2011 study
prepared by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the California Center for Public Health
Advocacy noted that nearly half of the children in Monterey County are overweight or obese (44.59%
among California 5th, 7th, and 9th Graders). Childhood obesity is even more prevalent in the Salinas and
Soledad communities (46.7% in Salinas and 48.5% in Soledad).
The federal government has also designated South Monterey County as a Medically Underserved Area
with a Medically Underserved Population. These designations identify areas and populations that have
limited access to personal
health services. Medically
Underserved Populations
may include groups of
persons who face
economic, cultural or
linguistic barriers to
healthcare. Fortunately,
both healthcare districts in
Monterey County are
championing efforts to
combat these issues by
opening new centers,
offering more free services
and working collectively
LAFCO of Monterey County 20
to deliver a significant level of healthcare and other related services to its residents including uninsured,
Medicaid recipients, and other vulnerable patients. Currently, Soledad Community Health Care District
owns and operates two healthcare facilities in the Soledad community: Eden Valley Care Center and
Soledad Medical Clinic. SVMHS also operates or has interest in an additional three facilities in South
Monterey County: Pinnacle Healthcare Urgent Care Center and a cardiology clinic at Mee Memorial
Hospital in King City, and the new Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center in Gonzales. This
state-of-the-art health and wellness center (photo shown on page 20) opened in 2016 and specifically
focuses on prevention, wellness and disease management in South Monterey County communities. Both
healthcare districts are spearheading efforts to deliver much-needed healthcare in the southern region by
complementing one another’s medical services. SVMHS is also considering opportunities to provide
services in the Hollister region and in the Watsonville area (in addition to care currently provided by its
Watsonville urgent care center – Doctors on Duty). SVMHS is responding to requests from existing
healthcare providers in both communities, and teams are currently evaluating the opportunity to
effectively serve the people in these communities.
Service Provision without Borders
Because services are not limited to Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System residents, pursuant to
Health and Safety Code Section 32001, SVMHS defines its service area as being larger than its jurisdictional
boundary. As previously stated, 42 SVMHS facilities are in operation or scheduled for operation in the
foreseeable future. These medical facilities are primarily located throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz
Counties. Figure 4 shows Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System primary and secondary service areas
as defined by the District. The Primary Service Area (PSA) encompasses the District’s jurisdictional
boundary and includes the City of Salinas and all, or portions of, the communities of Marina, Spreckels,
Gonzales, Prunedale, Castroville and Moss Landing. Based on FY 2016-17 data, approximately 50% of the
District’s total patients originated from the Primary Service Area. The Secondary Service Area (SSA)
extends throughout Monterey County, and additionally includes portions of San Benito, Santa Cruz, Santa
Clara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Included within the SSA are the communities of Big Sur, Carmel,
Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Seaside, King City, Watsonville, Hollister, Gilroy and Los Banos.
Based on FY 2016-17 data, approximately 20% of the District’s total patients originated from the Secondary
Service Area.
Within the last fiscal year, over half a million patients were served by SVMHS facilities. Exhibit C
illustrates the patient origination by service area. The exhibit also shows that the District serves a number
of individuals who reside outside both the primary and secondary service areas. In FY 2016-17, almost
140,000 patients, who reside outside the PSA and SSA, represent 30% of the District’s total patients. More
than half of the total Doctors on Duty patients in FY 2016-17 reside outside the District’s primary and
secondary area. In summary, 50% of SVMHS patients are residents within the District, with the remaining
50% originating outside the District’s jurisdiction and sphere of influence boundaries.
Exhibit C: Patient Origination by Service Area
Primary Service Secondary Service Areas Outside
SVMHS Site Total
Area (PSA) Area (SSA) PSA & SSA
Hospital 78,745 (75%) 17,779 (17%) 8,428 (8%) 104,952
Taylor Farms 6,490 (74%) 1,965 (23%) 267 (3%) 8,722
Salinas Valley
29,318 (65%) 9,604 (21%) 6,136 (14%) 45,058
Medical Clinic
Primecare 64,450 (66%) 18,818 (19%) 13,835 (14%) 97,103
Central Coast
25,626 (57%) 10,365 (23%) 8,890 (20%) 44,881
Cardiology
Doctors on Duty 72,002 (27%) 57,918 (22%) 136,067 (51%) 265,987
Total 276,631 (50%) 116,449 (20%) 173,623 (30%) 566,703
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 21
Figure 4: Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s Primary & Secondary Service Areas
Primary Service Area
(Within SVMHS Boundary)
Secondary Service Area
(Outside SVMHS Boundary)
Note: Primary Service Area is the District’s current jurisdictional boundary. The Secondary Service Area is served by SVMHS but
located outside its existing boundary and expands into multiple counties (San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz).
Projected Growth
The current population of the county is approximately 430,000 based on the latest United States Census
Bureau data. The current District population for Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is estimated
to be approximately 212,0001. The City of Salinas represents 75% of the District’s population. Two other
cities are located in the District’s boundary, Gonzales and a portion of Marina. The City of Gonzales
represents 4% of the District’s population while the portion of the City of Marina represents 2%. The
remaining 20% are residents living in unincorporated communities of Castroville, Chualar, Prunedale,
Moss Landing, and Spreckels. While there are no specific population growth forecasts for SVMHS
boundaries, projections for the City of Salinas provide an approximation. The Association of Monterey
Bay Area Governments projects that the City of Salinas will grow at a 0.55% average compound annual
growth rate from 2010 through 2035. This rate of growth will increase the City’s population from 156,000
to 173,000 by 2035. If this compound annual growth percentage were applied to SVMHS’ existing
boundary, the District would grow to almost 238,000 by 2035. Exhibit D shows the estimated population
growth in the areas within the District’s existing jurisdictional boundary.
1 Based on 2016 United Stated Census Bureau Data extracted from the Monterey County’s GIS Database
LAFCO of Monterey County 22
However, as noted in the previous section of this study, staff analysis indicates that the SVMHS provides
services outside its jurisdiction. By adding the population of communities that are already served by
SVMHS, specially communities in the northern and southern regions of the county, the District’s projected
population is expected to reach 341,000 by 2035.
Exhibit D: Forecasted Population Growth
Population Forecast 2016 2025 2030 2035
(current) (projected) (projected) (projected)
Forecasted population served by SVMHS and within the District’s Boundary
City of Gonzales 8,400 9,000 9,200 9,500
City of Marina (portion of) 4,000 4,200 4,400 4,500
City of Salinas 156,000 166,000 170,000 175,000
Unincorporated Communities 43,000 46,000 47,000 49,000
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
212,000 225,000 231,000 238,000
(existing jurisdictional boundary)
Forecasted population served by SVMHS but outside the District’s Boundary
City of Greenfield 17,000 22,000 23,000 24,000
City of King 14,000 16,000 18,000 19,000
City of Marina (remaining portion) 16,500 17,500 18,000 18,500
City of Soledad 26,000 32,000 33,000 34,000
Las Lomas Community 3,000 3,200 3,300 3,400
Oak Hill Community 100 105 110 115
Pajaro Community 3,500 3,700 3,800 4,000
Additional Population (sub-total) 80,000 95,000 99,000 103,000
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
292,000 319,000 330,000 341,000
(population within and outside the District)
(Source: Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments. 2014 Regional Growth Forecast, June 2014)
Proposed Sphere of Influence Expansion
LAFCO staff recommends expanding the District’s existing sphere to more closely reflect its actual service
area. Several benefits would result from a sphere expansion. In late-2017, LAFCO and SVMHS
representatives evaluated the areas already being served by SVMHS but currently outside the District’s
jurisdictional and sphere boundaries and explored different sphere expansion options. Based on our
collaborative efforts, it was determined that Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has been serving
several communities outside the District’s jurisdictional and sphere of influence boundaries.
While LAFCO is not recommending a sphere expansion to include the entire secondary service area
discussed in the previous section of this study, which includes multiple counties, a sphere expansion to
include more Monterey County residents is a first step to better reflect the District’s current service
boundary. Our analysis shows that SVMHS provides services to residents from Las Lomas, Oak Hill, and
Pajaro in north Monterey County; residents from Greenfield, King City, and Soledad in south Monterey
County; and residents in the City of Marina. Therefore, LAFCO staff recommends expanding the District’s
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 23
sphere to the north and south with the inclusion of the remaining portion of the City of Marina.
Approximately 1,300 acres of Marina are already within the District’s jurisdictional boundary. SVMHS also
owns and operates one of its seven Doctor on Duty locations in the City of Marina but the facility is
currently outside its District boundary. Additionally, SVMHS owns a vacant parcel in the City of Marina
which may be developed into another future medical facility – further investing resources and expanding
healthcare services to the Marina community.
The recommended sphere expansion boundary is based on Marina’s existing city limits as well as the
following school district boundaries: Greenfield Union, King City Union, Mission Union, North Monterey
County, Pajaro Valley Unified, and Soledad Unified. If approved, the recommended sphere of influence,
would include the unincorporated communities of Las Lomas, Oak Hill, and Pajaro and the Cities of
Greenfield, Gonzales, King City, Marina (remaining portion) and Soledad. Figure 5 shows the proposed
sphere expansion. LAFCO gave a presentation on all the sphere expansion options to the SVMHS Board
of Directors and 60 community leaders at the February 9 SVMHS Annual Retreat.
The proposed sphere expansion would overlap with Soledad CHCD. Due to the importance of SVMHS
and Soledad CHCD in the southern region, no changes to Soledad CHCD’s jurisdictional or service delivery
are recommended. As stated in page 20 of this study, both healthcare districts play a critical role in the
collaborative delivery of medical services in Monterey County. The proposed sphere expansion for SVMHS
will simply reflect the already established service relationship between both healthcare districts. In
February 2018, both healthcare district chief executive officers, Pete Delgado (SVMHS) and Steve Pritt
(Soledad CHCD) met to discuss the proposed sphere expansion within the southern region. The two
healthcare districts support the recommended sphere expansion for SVMHS as part of their ongoing
efforts to provide essential medical services in South Monterey County.
Benefits from a Sphere Expansion and Future Annexation
An increase in a sphere of influence provides the opportunity for the residents to ultimately be part of the
District through annexation. If the sphere is expanded and these areas are annexed to the District in the
foreseeable future, Monterey County residents would also receive the lower “in-District” room rates at the
Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and would have the opportunity to vote and run on the District’s Board
of Directors. An incentive for the District, if the areas are eventually annexed, would include a small
increase in revenue as a result of landowners contributing to District services through property taxes.
LAFCO of Monterey County 24
Figure 5: Recommended Sphere of Influence of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 25
INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS AND SHARED SERVICES
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System operates in a highly competitive institutional environment.
Within Monterey County, admissions to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and Community Hospital of
the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) each account for approximately 30% of the market share. CHOMP is
an independent not-for-profit (“501[c][3]”) hospital. County-owned Natividad Medical Center, located
just four miles north of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, accounts for approximately 22%. Mee Memorial
Hospital, in King City, accounts for approximately 6% of the market share, and the remaining 12% of
market share is spread among out-of-county hospitals. In all, there are eleven acute hospitals, with
approximately 2,400 staffed beds, located within a 75-mile radius of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.
While CHOMP, Natividad, Mee Memorial and SVMHS compete for hospital admissions, the four
hospitals have also found that there are times when cooperation is advantageous. In 2006, Natividad
posted a financial loss of over $25 million and there were discussions that the hospital might need to close.
These losses followed an unsuccessful 2003 sales tax ballot measure to increase support for the County-
owned facility. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and CHOMP stepped forward and agreed to
give bail-out funds to the County hospital totaling $8 million and to provide healthcare executives from
each hospital to serve on Natividad’s Interim Board of Trustees. This assistance helped revitalize Natividad
as the regional public safety net hospital, which provides a significant level of care to low-income,
uninsured and vulnerable populations.
By 2012, SVMHS was also experiencing financial difficulties. The District sought to affiliate with a partner
to strengthen its ability to provide high quality, full-service, cost efficient healthcare for local residents.
The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System proposal was consistent with a national trend for
hospitals to seek efficiencies of scale through mergers and affiliations. The District originally received two
bids in response to its offering, although one from a large for-profit health provider was later withdrawn.
In July 2012, the Salinas Valley Memorial Board rejected the remaining bid from the County of Monterey
and Natividad Medical Center, and opted to continue to operate as a stand-alone medical facility. This
effort was part of an improvement initiative to advance internal operations, maintain excellence in patient
care, and meet the needs of a changing healthcare landscape which resulted a dramatic transformation for
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Today, the District has a network of affiliations in multiple
counties. The following section explores the ongoing strategic partnerships in an effort to improve service
quality, reduce costs and create a healthier population.
In 2016, SVMHS entered a groundbreaking joint-venture ownership of three entities with Montage Health
(Aspire Health Plan, Community Health Innovations, and Coastal Management Services). Montage Health
is the parent company of CHOMP. Both CHOMP and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital remain completely
independent, however, this partnership between their subsidiaries helps make healthcare more affordable
and accessible for all Monterey County residents. That same year, SVMHS completed a three-year project
which opened the first Medical Respite Center in Monterey County. The center connects clients to
services in hopes to achieve better health outcomes and start their journey towards housing stability and
self-sufficiency. This public/private partnership includes CHOMP, Natividad Medical Center, Community
Homeless Solutions, and the Hospital Council. More recently, SVMHS has also joined Montage Health
and Natividad Medical Center to provide patients with access to their health information online via a
secure internet portal called Central Coast Health Connect (CCHC). CCHC allows patients to keep tabs
on their appointment information and test results and communicate with care providers conveniently
when they have non-urgent health questions and concerns – a tool that helps each healthcare system meet
its new preventive, patient-centered and cost-effective goals. SVMHS has 50% ownership and governance
of CCHC. Additionally, SVMHS is working to streamline the transfer of patients from Hazel Hawkins
Memorial Hospital (operated by the San Benito Healthcare District) and Mee Memorial Hospital in King
City to SVMHS for medical services and procedures those institutions cannot provide. SVMHS already
LAFCO of Monterey County 26
provides a weekly cardiology clinic at Mee Memorial Hospital to connect Mee Memorial’s patients with
advanced cardiac care. As healthcare reform continues to reshape the industry, these collaborations are
becoming vital to ensure smaller communities can provide cost-effective, quality healthcare services to
their residents.
Another form of innovative partnership includes the establishment of a joint powers authority. In 2012,
State legislation was passed which allows for the formation of a “Central Coast Hospital Authority” to
manage, administer, and control the Natividad Medical Center and other healthcare facilities. This
Authority could be used to facilitate the future merger of Natividad and SVMHS if considered by the
affected parties. While the idea of merging with another hospital is not currently under consideration,
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has a long history of affiliating with other groups in specific
joint ventures. These joint ventures and affiliations are listed below.
Montage Health – Joint ownership of three entities designed to improve community health: Aspire Health
Plan, Community Health Innovations (CHI) and Coastal Management Services. Aspire Health Plan offers
a Medicare Advantage plan, which allows for top-rated hospital care, doctors and drug benefits within a
single plan. CHI supports the new focus on wellness and prevention though coordination of care, disease
management and patient experience improvements. Coastal Management Services provides administrative
services, including claims processing. The partnership gives SVMHS a 49% stake in the three companies.
Monterey Peninsula Surgery Centers (five locations) – SVMHS is a 12% owner of these outpatient surgical
centers, which partner with 200 top area surgeons to offer a wide variety of surgeries.
Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (VNA) – SVMHS is a governing member of the VNA.
This program provides home healthcare services and hospice for people living throughout Monterey and
San Benito counties as well as the southern portions of both Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
Cardiac Surgery Program – In a move that advanced central coast heart care to an unprecedented level,
SVMHS and Stanford Hospital & Clinics together created the Stanford Cardiac Surgery Program at Salinas
Valley Memorial Hospital in October, 2008. The combination of the District's rich history of excellence in
cardiovascular services, and Stanford's leadership in academic center medicine, significantly advanced
cardiovascular healthcare in this region.
Stanford Children’s Health - Joint venture with Stanford Children’s Health in a Level III neonatal intensive
care unit (NICU) and Perinatal Diagnostic Center. The NICU partnership allows SVMHS to care for
critically ill babies on-site. Additionally, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s Perinatal Diagnostic
Center, a partnership with Stanford Children’s Health Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, is the first and
only center in Monterey County specializing in high-risk pregnancies.
Vantage Eye Surgery Center – SVMHS is a 10% owner
of this Medicare-approved outpatient facility offering a
wide range of services, including surgical procedures for
the care of all ocular conditions.
Salinas Valley Imaging – SVMHS is a 50% owner in
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services.
Brookdale at Harden Ranch – SVMHS owns 100% of
the building and land at this assisted living residence,
which serves memory care residents (those with
Alzheimer’s and dementia) as well as assisted living
residents.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 27
GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Governance
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is an independent special district governed by a five-member
board of directors. From 1947 to 2012, board members were elected at-large by all District voters. In 2011,
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System formed an Electoral Advisory Committee to determine if the
at-large election system continued to serve the needs of District residents, or if a zone-based election would
provide better representation. Upon the Committee’s recommendation, Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System Board approved a transition to zone-based elections.
District voters elected two newcomers to the district board in the first zone-based election in November
2012. This election was for board members from Zones 2 and 3 which are the most urban of the zones and
centered in the City of Salinas. The first two members elected under this system were Latino males with
roots in East Salinas. No incumbent board members ran in either the 2012 or 2014 elections, which resulted
in a complete turn-over of board membership. In 2012, prior to the switch to zone-based elections, the
average tenure of board members was 15 years, with one board member having served for 29 years and
another for 24 years. Exhibit E lists the current Board of Directors.
Exhibit E: Current Board of Directors
Director Title District Zone
Chris Orman President Zone 1
Carissa Purnell Assistant Treasurer Zone 2
Alfred Diaz-Infante Treasurer Zone 3
Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin Vice President Zone 4
Carmen Gil Secretary Zone 5
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors occur monthly at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital in the
Cislini Plaza Board room. Board members also attend committee meetings that are scheduled through the
month. There are currently Board committees for Corporate Compliance and Audit, Finance, Personnel,
Pension and Investment, Transformation, Strategic Planning and Governance, Community Advocacy, and
Quality & Efficient Practices. Board Members are compensated $100 per meeting attended, up to a
maximum of $500 per month.
Transparency and Accountability
Each meeting of the Board of Directors has a time on the agenda reserved for public comments. Salinas
Valley Memorial Healthcare System publicizes public meetings and District operations through the media,
through mailings and by use of the District’s website. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System posts
agendas for past and upcoming Board meetings on its website. Reports prepared for these meetings are
posted online and available at the Board Meeting and in the District’s Human Resources Department.
Videos of the most recent Board meeting are available online. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s
offices are open to the public during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. District revenues
and expenses are audited annually by a private auditing firm with significant healthcare experience.
A 2012 audit conducted by the California State Auditor2 identified what the Auditor believed to be Salinas
Valley Memorial Healthcare System violations of public openness and ethics standards. The Auditor
reviewed District executive compensation levels and recommended that the District take specific actions
to provide the public with opportunities to participate meaningfully in Board meetings regarding
executive compensation. The State Auditor found that the Board of Directors had violated the Ralph M.
Brown Act, which requires legislative bodies to conduct their meetings in an open manner during Board
2 California State Auditor, “Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System: Increased Transparency and Stronger
Controls Are Necessary as It Focuses on Improving Its Financial Situation,” March 2012 Report 2011-113.
LAFCO of Monterey County 28
deliberations on executive compensation. The Auditor also identified eleven instances between 2006 and
2010 in which SVMHS had business relationships with entities where its executives or Board Members
had economic interests. The Auditor found that Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System did not ensure
that many of the individuals its conflict-of-interest code identified as needing to submit statements of
economic interest have submitted these statements, that it lacked a written policy and procedures to
demonstrate that its community funding furthers its public purposes, and that the District generally did
not document how it selected contractors in a way to obtain the best value.
While Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System contested many specifics in the State Auditor’s report,
the District stated that it welcomed the scrutiny of the report and acknowledged that the report “contains
valuable conclusions and recommendations that have been or will be acted upon.” Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System made significant changes based on the recommendations listed in the 2012 State
Auditor Report. The District developed, implemented and educated their staff on policies and procedures
that ensured full public disclosure. SMVHS policies are now designed to meet State requirements for the
filing of Statements of Economic Interest and the avoidance of actual or perceived conflicts of interest, as
well as to inspire trust and confidence among their constituents. Below is an overview of their updated
policies which addressed the 2012 State Auditor Report:
Public Disclosure
Transparency in local government allows for accountability and public access to an agency’s
governance and operations. The SVMHS Public Records Policy clearly defines what information is
available to the public by request, while safeguarding confidential information. The SVMHS Human
Resources Department administers this policy, ensuring that public requestors receive timely and
accurate responses.
Brown Act
The Brown Act facilitates public participation in local government decisions and creates broad
public access rights to the meetings of legislative bodies. On a semi-annual basis, the District
conducts training for all of the organization’s executive leaders and members of the SVMHS board
of directors to ensure understanding and compliance with AB 1234. Their thorough approach entails
engaging expert legal counsel to support and review training agendas so that all relevant information
is addressed and compliance is assured. Every member of the SVMHS board of directors is
given information regarding compliance with the Brown Act. The District Legal Counsel is also
present at all regularly called meetings of the board of directors to advise the board chair in regards
to compliance with the Brown Act.
Conflict of Interest
SVMHS employs a multi-faceted approach to avoiding real or perceived Conflict of Interest
situations. The District’s Conflict of Interest Code and Policy outlines the elements that define issues
and situations that demonstrate a conflict of interest. Each year, SVMHS reviews its policies and
processes and submit conflict of interest filings along with any identified schedules. A specific Gift,
Ticket and Honoraria Policy outlines management of FPPC requirements and District funds.
SVMHS also provides annual and ongoing education to their organization’s leaders that specifically
addresses conflict of interest policies.
Procurement Management Policy and Competitive Solicitation Policy
As part of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s commitment to openness and transparency,
the District has two policies in place regarding procurement and solicitation. These policies ensure
compliance with District regulations related to procurement and obligation for District fund
oversight as well as demonstrate fairness in all of their practices. SVMHS also provides annual and
ongoing education to the organization’s leaders that specifically addresses Procurement
Management and Competitive Solicitation policies.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 29
FINANCES
A local government in good fiscal condition generally maintains adequate service levels during economic
downturns, identifies and adjusts to long-term demographic changes, and develops resources to meet
future needs3. For the past five years, on average, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s revenues
exceeded expenses by approximately $32 million. This section will highlight its financial performance
during the most recent fiscal years.
Fiscal Year 2015-16 is the latest audited financial statement available. At the end of Fiscal Year 2015-16,
total income from operations totaled $31.5 million representing an 8% increase from the previous year
($29.2 million in 2015). Net patient service revenues in 2016 was $434.8 million, an increase of $67.4 million
from 2015’s net patient service revenues of $367.3 million. Increases in total revenue was due primarily to
a rise in patient stays per day and emergency room visits. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System also
continues to generate a significant portion of its income from nonoperating activities, predominantly from
investments (both marketable securities and real estate) and income from affiliates. Nonoperating income
for 2016 was $9.5 million as compared to $9.0 million for 2015. Based on the latest adopted budget (FY
2017-18), total operating revenue is expected to reach $481 million, representing a 9% increase from FY
2015-16 ($440 million).
Total expenses for FY 2015-16 was $409 million which increased from the previous year by approximately
$63 million ($346 million in 2015). Similar to other healthcare districts, salaries and benefits contribute to
the majority of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System total expenses. At the end of Fiscal Year 2015-
16, salaries and benefits totaled approximately $235 million. Other expenses include supplies, purchased
services, medical fees, and depreciation and amortization. Even with increases in total expenditures, the
District’s total revenue exceeded total expenses each year since 2014 and is projected to continue. Exhibit
F depicts total revenue exceeding total expenditures from 2014 to 2018.
Exhibit F: Statement of Revenues & Expenses ($ in 000's)
$600,000
$443,680 $481,416
$440,700
$500,000 $375,243 $421,413 $463,840
$409,198
$400,000 $346,093
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
$-
FY 14-15 FY 15-16 FY 16-17 FY 17-18
(Budgeted) (Budgeted)
Total Operating Revenues Total Operating Expenses
Source: SVMHS Consolidated Financial Statements, for the years ending June 30, 2014 through 2018
Revenues
Patient service is the source of approximately 99% of the operating revenues for the last five years. Exhibit
H offers a breakdown of total operating revenue. In Fiscal Year 2015-16, the gross patient service revenues
of the SVMHS totaled $1.3 million. 85% of these gross revenues ($1.1 million) was derived from routine
and ancillary inpatient services and 14% ($181 million) was from outpatient services. As is standard in the
medical field, these gross revenues were significantly reduced by deductions for contractual allowances for
3 Perceptions of Local Fiscal Stress During a State Budget Crisis, Public Policy Institute of California
LAFCO of Monterey County 30
statutory and negotiated rates. In Fiscal Year 2015-16 these allowances reduced gross revenues by 65% or
$840 million. The District deducted an additional 1% for doubtful accounts ($16.3 million) and less than
one-percent for charity care ($5.7 million). Exhibit G provides an overview of the District’s revenue stream
since 2012.
Exhibit G: Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s Revenue Source ($ in 000’s)
Gross Patient Service Revenues 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Routine Inpatient Services $179,598 $207,138 $210,225 $256,024 $266,448
Ancillary Inpatient Services $573,689 $617,076 $691,972 $721,315 $850,458
Outpatient Services $71,090 $96,129 $80,582 $121,215 $180,769
Total Gross Patient Service Rev $824,377 $920,343 $982,779 $1,098,554 $1,297,675
Deductions from Gross Patient Services Revenues
Contractual allowance for
$477,866 $555,121 $608,516 $708,175 $840,835
statutory and negotiated rates
Provision for Doubtful Accounts $12,235 $14,667 $18,987 $15,188 $16,380
Charity Care $12,622 $9,825 $10,304 $7,880 $5,705
Total Deduction $502,723 $579,613 $637,807 $731,243 $862,920
Net Inpatient Service Revenue $321,654 $340,730 $344,972 $367,311 $434,755
Hospital Operations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Medicare $80,936 $76,885 $83,222 $90,008 $99,042
Managed Care $181,383 $197,675 $194,743 $207,771 $224,824
Medi-Cal and CCAH $25,152 $28,965 $38,436 $41,413 $48,792
Other $19,026 $22,436 $11,713 $5,050 $7,715
Consolidated Subsidiaries $15,157 $14,769 $16,858 $23,069 $54,382
Net Patient Service Revenue $321,654 $340,730 $344,972 $367,311 $434,755
According to the District audits, patient service revenue comes from five sources:
Managed Care: Managed care, defined as care to patients with private insurance, provides approximately
52% of the net patient service revenue. While agreements between the hospital and insurers provides for
payments to the hospital at amounts different from established rates, the discount applied is less than that
required for publically-funded insurance. The financial importance of managed care patients is
underscored by the fact that 52% of the District’s net revenues are derived from Managed Care while this
category accounts for only approximately 26% of patient gross billings.4
Medicare: The District derives approximately 23% of its net patient service revenue from Medicare, the
national insurance program that guarantees access to health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older
and younger people with disabilities. This program accounts for about 42% of gross patient billings.
Medi-Cal and CCAH: These California-based programs account for about 11% of net patient service
revenue and 28% of patient gross billings. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program serving low-income
families, seniors, persons with disabilities, children in foster care, pregnant women, and certain low-
income adults. The Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH) is a locally governed nonprofit health
plan that uses the State's preferred County Organized Health System model of Medi-Cal managed care.
4 Percentages of net patient service revenue is based on data from the District audit for the fiscal year ending in June
2013. This percentage is similar to percentages experienced over the last few years. Percentage of gross billings is for
Fiscal Year 2010-11. Data later than this is not available in the audits. This gross billings data also combines revenues
for “Other” and “Consolidated Subsidiaries” into a single category.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 31
Other: A variety of other patient groups account for approximately 2% of net patient service revenue and
4% of gross billings. This group includes private-payee patients who do not rely on health insurance.
Consolidated Subsidiaries: These subsidiaries account for approximately 13% of net patient service
revenue. This includes an 85% interest in a partnership, Doctors on Duty Associates, an outpatient medical
clinic organization; 100% of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation, which is authorized to solicit
contributions on the Hospital’s behalf; 100% of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Assisted
Living, LLC, the owner of an assisted living facility; 100% of Pulmonary Medical Center of the Central
Coast, operator of pulmonary and neurology clinics; and 50% of a joint venture with Lucille Packard
Children’s Hospital to operate the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Taxes and Contributions
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System receives a portion of the statewide “one percent” ad valorem
tax for properties within its boundaries. The amount of property taxes received by the District has
increased from $3.6 million in Fiscal Year 2014-15 to $3.8 million in Fiscal Year 2015-16. Additionally,
donations to the District have averaged $3.1 million over the last three years, ranging from $2.7 million to
$3.9 million. Nevertheless, these two revenue streams only account for just over one percent of District
revenues. Exhibit H offers a breakdown of total operating revenue.
Expenditures
As previously stated, salaries and benefits contribute to the majority of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
System total expenses. As of January 1, 2016, SVMHS had a total of 2,172 employees: 978 active, 268 inactive,
497 retired and beneficiaries, and 429 vested terminated. Approximately 57% of expenses are towards
salaries and benefits. A total of nine operating expenditures are identified in the District’s annual audits.
Exhibit H offers a breakdown of each operating expense.
Exhibit H: Salinas Valley Memorial’s Operating Revenue and Expense Breakdown as of June 30, 2016
Net Patient Services
Salaries and Wages (36%)
Revenues Operating Expense
Other Revenues
Compensated Absences
(6%)
4%
5%
3% Employee Benefits (15%)
1%
10%
36% Supplies (14%)
7% Purchased Services (7%)
Medical Fees (10%)
14%
6%
99% Other Fees (3%)
15%
Depreciation and
Operating Revenue
Amortization (5%)
Other Expenses (4%)
LAFCO of Monterey County 32
According to the District audits, other annual expenditures include:
Pension Plans – All permanent employees, including executive management, are eligible to participate in
appropriate pension plans sponsored by SVMHS. Under the various plans sponsored by Salinas Valley
Memorial Healthcare System, permanent employees can participate after completing three years of service
and reaching the age of 21 and, in other cases, eligible employees can participate after one year of service.
The plans are single employer defined benefit retirement plans administered by SVMHS. The plans also
provide retirement, disability, and death benefits based on the employee’s years of service, age and annual
compensation during covered employment.
Operating Lease - Leases that do not meet the criteria for capitalization are classified as operating leases
with related rentals charged to operations as incurred. Total rental expense for the years ended June 30,
2016 and 2015, was approximately $1.5 million and $2 million respectively.
Litigation - SVMHS is involved in litigation related to various matters. In the opinion of management, after
consultation with legal counsel, the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s consolidated financial position.
Compliance - The healthcare industry is subject to numerous laws and regulations of federal, state and
local governments. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be subject to government review and
interpretation, as well as regulatory actions. Recently, government activity has increased with respect to
investigations and allegations concerning possible violations by healthcare providers of regulations which
could result in the imposition of significant fines and penalties, as well as significant repayments for patient
services previously billed. SVMHS is subject to such regulatory reviews and, while these reviews may
result in repayments and/or civil remedies, management believes that such repayments and/or civil
remedies would not have a material effect on the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s consolidated
financial position.
Unpaid Services – SVMHS offers numerous services to the community for which charges are not generated.
The services include health related programming and education that reached over 37,000 people in our
community and participation in health fairs that reached over 7,000 people. The estimated costs of
Medicare programs in excess of reimbursement from Medicare were $113,504 and $100,776 for the years
ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Assets and Liabilities
Total assets of the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System stood at almost $600 million at the end of
the June 2016. This accumulation of investments, cash and equivalents, receivables, and other funds makes
SVMHS one of the largest healthcare districts in California. Based on 2016 data, only four other healthcare
district in the state have more total assets: Kaweah Delta Health Care District ($818 million), Washington
Township Healthcare System ($1.1 billion), Palomar Health Care District ($1.6 billion), and El Camino
Healthcare District ($1.7 billion).
Approximately $270 million of total assets were in the form of capital assets, net of accumulated
depreciation. Capital assets include the value of the District’s land, structures, and equipment. $206
million in assets were classified as current assets, which included $135 million in cash and cash equivalents,
$58 million in patient accounts receivable, and $12 million in other. The audit for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 2016 listed almost $600 million in total liabilities and net position. This includes $94 million in
long-term liabilities, including pension liability of $71 million. Current liabilities totaled $64 million with
Net Position amounting to $435 million. Net Position includes investments in capital assets, reserves for
minority interest, and funds unrestricted as well as temporarily or permanently restricted.
Improvements in District finances are illustrated in its statement of assets and net position. While the
primary financial assets of District are capital assets that cannot be easily converted to pay liabilities, the
District’s current assets increased significantly in Fiscal Year 2015-16. An organization’s liquidity, or its
ability to pay short-term obligations, is shown through its current ratio (total current assets/current
liabilities). The higher the current ratio, the more capable the District is of paying its obligations, as it has
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 33
a larger proportion of asset value relative to the value of its liabilities. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
System’s liquidity ratio increased from 2.16 to 3.22 between Fiscal Years 2013 and 2016. The reason for the
strong liquidity ratio is two-fold: SVMHS current assets have increased each year since 2013 while current
liabilities experienced a decrease in 2014 and a slower growth in 2015 and 2016. Cash and Cash Equivalents
alone saw an increase of 170% or $85 million since 2013 as shown in Exhibit I. The District reports that it
has no outstanding long-term loans or bonds.
Exhibit I: Consolidated Statements of Net Position
($ in 000’s) 2013 2014 2015 2016
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 50,191 $ 80,860 $ 123,634 $ 135,495
Patient Accounts Receivable, net $ 46,107 $ 46,508 $ 44,417 $ 58,445
Other $ 13,275 $ 10,264 $ 14,751 $ 12,430
Total Current Assets $ 109,573 $ 137,632 $ 182,802 $ 206,370
Restricted Funds $ 35,159 $ 47,486 $ 59,887 $ 73,260
Capital Assets, net $ 295,569 $ 280,096 $ 265,539 $ 270,102
Other Assets, net $ 17,065 $ 17,749 $ 17,271 $ 24,092
Total Assets $ 457,366 $ 482,963 $ 525,499 $ 573,824
Deferred Outflows $ - $ - $ 13,055 $ 24,118
Total Assets and Deferred Outflows $ 457,366 $ 482,963 $ 538,554 $ 597,942
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities $ 50,667 $ 46,232 $ 50,152 $ 64,042
Long-term Liabilities $ 22,964 $ 26,771 $ 90,532 $ 94,371
Deferred Inflows $ - $ - $ 3,692 $ 4,340
Net Position
Invested in Capital Assets, net $ 292,687 $ 279,203 $ 262,155 $ 267,587
Reserved for Minority Interest $ 543 $ 586 $ 515 $ 1,168
Temporarily Restricted $ 4,039 $ 4,418 $ 4,280 $ 4,659
Permanently Restricted $ 351 $ 1,165 $ 1,129 $ 1,129
Unrestricted $ 86,108 $ 124,588 $ 126,099 $ 160,646
Total Net Position $ 383,728 $ 409,960 $ 394,178 $ 435,189
Total Liabilities, Deferred Inflows and Net
$ 457,359 $ 482,963 $ 538,554 $ 597,942
Position
Liquidity Ratio
2.16 2.98 3.64 3.22
(Current Assets/Current Liabilities)
Source: Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Consolidated Financial Statements, for the years
ending June 30, 2013 through 2016.
Capital Improvement Projects
Each year, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System evaluates its annual budgets and assesses available
capital funds for the following year. As a public healthcare district and a nonprofit organization, SVMHS
reinvests any revenue surplus back into its facilities, technology and equipment in order to maintain
quality care. For the past five years, on average, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s revenues
LAFCO of Monterey County 34
exceeded expenses by approximately $32 million. Revenue surplus, also known as District’s Net Position,
are deposited in four reserve accounts.
The following is a summary of those four reserve accounts:
1. Invested in capital assets, net of related debt – Capital assets, net of accumulated depreciation, reduced
by outstanding principal balances of debt attributable to the acquisition, construction or improvement
of those assets.
2. Reserved for minority interest – Net position of legally separate organization attributable to other
participants.
3. Restricted – SVMHS classifies net position resulting from transactions with purpose restrictions as
restricted net assets until the resources are used for the specific purpose or for as long as the provider
requires the resources to remain intact. Restricted funds are further designated as either Expendable
or nonexpendable. Expendable funds used by SVMHS is subject to externally imposed restrictions
that can be fulfilled by actions of SVMHS pursuant to those restrictions or that expire by the passage
of time. Nonexpendable funds are subject to externally imposed restrictions that must be retained in
perpetuity by SVMHS.
4. Unrestricted – Net position that are neither restricted nor invested in capital assets, net of related.
SVMHS also makes it a priority to continue improving the District’s balance sheet and overall financial
performance to help its bond rating in preparation for the revenue bond issue pertaining to its hospital
upgrade project necessitated by SB 1953. SVMHS capital improvement projects are segregated into two
categories: strategic capital and routine capital. Unlike routine capital improvement projects, strategic
capital projects require at least 25% return on investment with a payback period of less than 3-4 years. The
District’s executive team, in collaboration with physician partners and the business development team,
evaluates and prioritizes capital needed to support strategic initiatives and to further the organization’s
ability to meet its community’s healthcare needs.
Examples of recent strategic capital priorities include expansion of physician access and development of
diabetes and infusion/oncology programs previously discussed in this study. Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System’s process to assign discretionary routine capital funds is to first assess future capital
needs that are not discretionary, including information technology, facilities and construction, and
replacement of equipment. Information technology involves the replacement of computers, clinical
workstations and IT infrastructure, and provision of additional storage to meet requirements for current
applications. Facilities/construction involves the financial commitments to projects already underway or
contracted/committed projects that have yet to begin and facility maintenance needed for regulatory
and/or safety reasons. Replacement of equipment involves identifying which entities are at the end of its
life and no longer supported by its vendor.
The SVMHS executive team reviews and confirms the nondiscretionary capital requirements discussed in
the previous page and then determines remaining capital funds that can be used for discretionary projects
and equipment acquisitions/improvements. The process to identify and approve discretionary capital
entails:
1. A review of items identified during the year that were deemed critical for capital funding assessment
the following year
2. A review of items not approved in the current year for potential inclusion the following year
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 35
3. Development of capital requests (projects, equipment and IT) by department directors and their
physician partners and reviewed by their respective administrators
4. Forwarding of VP-reviewed requests to the capital committee, which then reviews the requests for
completeness and adds them to the Master Request List
5. An executive review of the Master Request List and approvals (items not approved but deemed
important are put on a list and reviewed during the year as funds become available due to approved
projects being delayed, re-scoped or canceled)
6. Inclusion in the District’s annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System offers a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient services.
Refer to Exhibit B and Figure 3 for a summary of the components and facilities operated by Salinas Valley
Memorial Healthcare System. The core component of SVMHS is the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. In
2016, the hospital had over 10,600 inpatient admissions with an average daily census of 127 and an average
length of stay of four days. The Hospital also served approximately 55,000 outpatients and had over 55,600
emergency room visits. More than 100,000 patients were served at the District’s urgent care centers and
Doctors on Duty locations during that same fiscal year. SVMHS continues to expand medical operations
by improve existing facilities, developing innovative services, or offering educational events. The
construction of an infusion center within the Comprehensive Community Cancer Program at Salinas
Valley Memorial Hospital in late 2016 is only one example of the recent efforts to increase healthcare
throughout the county. The following section provides a more in-depth review of the other facilities,
services and accomplishments completed by SVMHS.
Salinas Valley Medical Clinic
Through the Salinas Valley Medical Clinic (SVMC), which is located in the Cities of Monterey and Salinas
and includes approximately 100 providers in 21 specialties across the SVMHS jurisdictional boundary,
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System brings medical services to patients who were previously
unable to access certain specialties. This multi-specialty clinic is staffed by board-certified specialists in 12
locations concentrating in cardiology, pulmonology and critical care, palliative care, endocrinology,
thoracic, vascular and general surgery, dermatology, infectious diseases, neurology, rheumatology,
hospitalist medicine, oncology/hematology, obstetrics/gynecology, urogynecology, sleep medicine,
physical therapy, orthopedics, podiatry, sports medicine, and pain management. By bringing these
practices into SVMC, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System was able to lift the administrative
burden from the practices by accepting all forms of payment for services including Medi-Cal and
Medicare. SVMC aligns physicians with the needs of their communities and continuously seeks new
physicians to add healthcare capabilities and address ever-evolving patient health issues and expectations.
In 2015, the physician practice that provided medical oncology and chemotherapy infusion services in
Salinas went through significant operational and financial challenges, threatening its viability. In order to
maintain a stable and reliable cancer care for residents in Salinas, SVMHS acquired the distressed practice
and recruited an additional hematology/oncology physician. In July 2017, SVMHS opened a new Diabetes
& Endocrine Center on the second floor of its building at 355 Abbott Street. This $4 million project
provides a one-stop shop for diabetes treatment and research in the county. The 10,000 square-foot facility
will be led by board certified endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, diabetes
educators and nutritionists. These medical professionals work together with various partners including
Monterey County, other hospitals, and the YMCA to provide advanced treatment and management of this
disease. More recently, SVMHS celebrated the grand opening of its Pediatric Diabetes Clinic in February
2018. This new clinic is part of the Diabetes and Endocrine Center and is a result of an ongoing partnership
with UC San Francisco Medical Center to address the growing needs of children facing Type 1 and 2
LAFCO of Monterey County 36
diabetes. SVMHS also provides the only chemotherapy treatment in the City of Salinas as part of Salinas
Valley Medical Clinic. This facility is accessible to all patients, regardless of their insurance coverage or
ability to pay.
Educational Opportunities
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has a robust schedule of community education events. “Ask
the Experts” events allow residents an opportunity to communicate with physicians and learn useful
information on pressing health topics. On average, approximately 15,000 people attend these events and
other health promotion and educational events throughout Monterey County each year. Salinas Valley
Memorial Healthcare System also hosts the Medical Adventure Camp annually. 2017 marks the 17th year
SVMHS has offered this summer camp as an opportunity for students 10 through 12 years of age to learn
about careers in medicine. The program is held at the SVMH campus and includes presentations on
nutrition, physiology, laboratory science, physical therapy, forensic medicine, infection control and more.
Field trip destinations include the Tech Museum, Hyperbaric Chamber and the U.S. Coast Guard Training
Center. Additionally, the Summer Health Institute invites high school students to participate in paid
internships that combine 100 hours of classroom presentations and field trips with 60 hours of internship
work. Students come from throughout the region to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Exhibit
J provides an example of the total number of students that completed the Medical Adventure Camp and
Summer Health Institute since 2001.
Exhibit J: Total Medical Adventure Camp and Summer Health Institute Participants by Region
Medical Adventure Summer Health
Region Total
Camp Students Institute Students
Salinas 246 169 415
Monterey Peninsula 9 21 30
Marina/Castroville 6 16 22
South Monterey County 12 6 18
Gilroy/Hollister 6 0 6
Santa Cruz 5 0 5
Watsonville/Aromas 0 2 2
Total 284 214 498
Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation
Since 1981, the District has been assisted by the affiliated nonprofit Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
Foundation. The goal of the Foundation is to provide education and outreach to the community, improve
the overall quality of life for people facing serious or life-threatening illness, arrange elective surgeries, and
offer a safe place for mothers and babies. Philanthropic support has enabled this single hospital to grow
into an integrated network of healthcare programs, services and facilities throughout the Central Coast.
Recent accomplishments include the completion of the Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center
(Gonzales) in 2015 and the opening of the new Diabetes and Endocrine Center (Salinas) in 2017 which
both received campaign funds and donations through the Hospital Foundation. In Fiscal Year 2015-16,
Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation raised $2.9 million in donations to support patient care at
the hospital.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 37
Awards & Recognitions
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is proud of its reputation for excellence which is reflected in
the number of awards its received during the past several years. These achievements include being
recognized at the local, state, and federal level.
The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit organization recently awarded SVMHS an “A”
grade in the Fall 2017 Hospital Safety Grade, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from errors,
injuries and infections. Hospitals that repeatedly earn an “A” grade such as Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the care of their patients. The Hospital Safety
Grade is a twice-annual assessment of more than 2,600 hospitals across the country and uses 27 measures
of publicly available hospital safety data to produce a single letter grade ranging from “F” being the worst
and “A” being the best. The Hospital Safety Grade is compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading
experts on patient safety and is administered by The Leapfrog Group to represent a hospital’s overall
capacity to keep patients safe from preventable harm. Additionally, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
System has been recognized by The Joint Commission, the Commission on Cancer, the American Heart
Association and Healthgrades. Below is a summary of each achievement.
The Joint Commission - In 2015, SVMHS was recognized by the Joint Commission as one of the nation’s
“Top Performers” in care of heart attacks, heart failure, and overall quality and safety.5 The Joint
Commission is a nonprofit organization that accredits more than 20,000 healthcare organizations and
programs in the United States.
Commission on Cancer - In 2016,
SVMHS received full accreditation
status to the Cancer Program by the
Commission on Cancer.
American Heart Association - In 2017,
SVMHS was recognized for its efforts
in stroke prevention.
Healthgrades – In 2017, Salinas Valley
Memorial Healthcare System was
listed as one of the nation’s Top 5% for
treatment of stroke, plus special
honors for outstanding care in
orthopedics, pulmonary,
gastrointestinal and critical care by
Healthgrades, a company that provides
information about physicians,
hospitals and healthcare providers.6
5 http://www.jointcommission.org
6 https://www.svmh.com/About-Us/Awards-Recognition.aspx
LAFCO of Monterey County 38
FUTURE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System regularly assesses current and future community needs in
order to provide the best possible preventive, chronic and acute care to patients regardless of their
origination. In an effort to address healthcare issues and expand methods of providing such services to its
constituents, SVMHS regularly evaluates critical health needs through an extensive community health
needs assessment (CHNA). The latest CHNA report was adopted by the SVMHS Board on June 15, 2017.
This assessment was created through a transparent, multi-step process by synthesizing community input
and statistical data, filtering those needs against a set of criteria, prioritizing key results from a countywide
community survey and ranking results after deliberating with a group of hospital representatives. Future
service efforts are based on the results of these community assessments. In addition, SVMHS announced
in November 2017 the District will form a Patient Family Advisory Council. This patient-oriented board
will work with the existing Patient Experience Steering Committee to help shape initiatives, processes
and procedures at SVMHS. This council will further assist SVMHS in identifying community needs
throughout the county and provide a new outlet for patients and families to voice their concerns and share
their experiences. The following section identifies other upcoming challenges and opportunities.
Future Services to Underserved Communities
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is also looking to bring medical services to underserved areas
within the Salinas community but outside the District’s jurisdiction. In FY 2014-15, SVMHS provided more
than $86 million in uncompensated care to uninsured and underinsured communities countywide.
SVMHS also provided direct funding to several non-profit organizations whose mission contributes to or
complements that of SVMHS. Such organizations include Hartnell College Nursing Program, Alliance on
Aging, Coastal Kids Home Care, Food Bank for Monterey County, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, etc.
SVMHS contributions to uncompensated care and assistance to other healthcare providers fulfill the
District’s public purposes of ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare to residents of the District.
SVMHS provides services to underserved communities through the operations of the Service League
Program. This volunteer program provides many services free of charge including assistance and
counseling to patients and visitors, daily personal contact with members of the community who are living
alone, career counseling and programs for local students, spiritual care volunteers representing many local
faith community congregations, palliative care program assistance, and provision of scholarship awards to
qualifying students in the medical professions. In the past two years, these volunteers contributed
approximately 27,000 hours in providing these services.
Recruitment Process for New Medical Professionals
Anticipated retirement of nurses and physicians, coupled with the growth of local communities, has also
caused the SVMHS to continue its emphasis on recruitment as an ongoing priority. Salinas Valley
Memorial Healthcare System has adopted an aggressive recruitment program to attract additional
physicians and medical professionals in various specialties to the area. The specialties being recruited will
be derived from a special study conducted by SVMHS to determine professional need in a specific area.
Future Infrastructure Improvements
While SVMHS has expanded its services beyond the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, much of their
facilities are decades old and require improvements. One option that is being considered is placing a local
bond measure on the ballot which would provide locally-controlled funding to (1) reduce emergency room
wait time, (2) expand treatment centers, (3) upgrade operating rooms and intensive care units, (4) enhance
women and children services, and (5) improve access to high-quality care. Before moving forward with
such measure, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is gauging community interest by requesting
resident input through surveys. SVMHS plans to incorporate community feedback into their planning
efforts. The survey was mailed to residents throughout the county and available on the District’s website
(as shown in Figure 6).
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 39
Figure 6: Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s Online Survey
Concurrence to Seismic Safety Requirements
Another future challenge being addressed by Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is state mandates.
In late 2012, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System completed a multi-year $42 million seismic
retrofit project in accordance to state law. Hospitals are required to prepare both a comprehensive
evaluation report and compliance plan to attain the specified structural and nonstructural performance
categories. Subsequent changes to the legislation have established a final compliance deadline of 2030, by
which any licensed acute-care hospital facilities not in compliance with seismic safety standards must be
replaced or cease acute-acre operations. While the retrofitting has deemed the District earthquake-
compliant until 2030, SVMHS is still required to meet state seismic safety regulations pursuant to the
amendments of the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Act following the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Such
improvements will be implemented in the next couple of years.
LAFCO of Monterey County 40
Future of the Affordable Care Act
California has seen a significant decline in the number of uninsured residents since 2014 when the
Affordable Care Act (ACA) was implemented. This dramatic shift in the national healthcare landscape
resulted in profound changes to the healthcare delivery system in the Central Coast region – further
allowing collaboration among local providers to reimagine the provision of healthcare services. However,
the state’s expansion of health coverage faces an uncertain future. The current presidential administration
has pledged to dismantle the ACA and alter the Medicaid program currently in place. Any reduction in
federal funding may substantially reduce California’s ability to continue its current level of coverage.
SVMHS and other healthcare providers may need to explore options to maintain current health coverage
to all California residents.
CONCLUSION
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has undergone a dramatic transformation following an
improvement initiative back in 2012 to advance internal operations, maintain excellence in patient care,
and meet the needs of a changing healthcare landscape. Also, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
is now governed by a five-member Board of Directors who are appointed through a zone-based election
process rather than at-large elections. SVMHS continues to comply with legal requirements for public
transparency and accountability, and engages in many community activities and partnerships. Utilization
of strategic partnerships with neighboring hospitals, in concert with ongoing investments in capital
improvement projects, has allowed SVMHS to address public health challenges and fulfill state and
federally mandated requirements without negative impacts to its overall financial status. Today, SVMHS
serves over half a million patients in 42 different locations.
Even with the ongoing service delivery to various communities, the jurisdictional boundary of the District
has remained unchanged since 1947. The same can be said for the District’s sphere of influence boundary.
No change to its sphere boundary has occurred since the original adoption in 1983. Staff’s analysis, with
concurrence from SVMHS representatives, indicates that a sphere expansion would better reflect the
District’s current service area and could lay the foundation for future annexation and ultimately provide
underserved residents not only a designated healthcare service provider but also a reduction in costs and
allow them to vote and run for the District’s Board.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 41
[This page left blank intentionally.]
LAFCO of Monterey County 42
DETERMINATIONS
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS7
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area
Based on the 2016 Census Data, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s population is
approximately 212,000. While there are no specific population projections for the District,
projections for the City of Salinas provide a reasonable approximation. The Association of Monterey
Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) projects that the City of Salinas will grow at a 0.55% average
compound annual growth rate from 2010 through 2035. If this growth percentage were applied to
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, it would grow to approximately 238,000 by 2035.
2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
(“DUCs”) Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence
State law defines DUCs as communities with an annual median household income of less than 80%
of the statewide annual median household income. The California Department of Water Resources
lists Census Places that meet this definition. Three census places within Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System’s boundaries and Sphere of Influence meet this definition: the unincorporated
communities of Boronda, Castroville and Chualar. Additionally, the unincorporated community of
Pajaro, which meets this income definition, lies approximately three to four miles north of the current
District boundaries and Sphere. This community is located on the County line, across the Pajaro
River from the County of Santa Cruz and the City of Watsonville.
The importance of reviewing the existence of DUCs within or adjacent to the Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System’s District Sphere of Influence is lessened by the fact that residents of these
communities currently have the same access to hospital services as District residents. Salinas Valley
Memorial Healthcare System has also indicated it is also looking to bring medical services into
underserved areas around the District. If approved, the recommended sphere of influence would
include the Pajaro community as well as the unincorporated communities of Las Lomas and Oak Hill,
and the Cities of Greenfield, Gonzales, King City, Marina (remaining portion) and Soledad.
3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services, and
Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies (Including Needs or Deficiencies Related to Sewers,
Municipal and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in Any Disadvantaged
Unincorporated Communities Within, or Contiguous to, the Sphere of Influence)
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is changing to meet the needs of the changing American
healthcare system. One of these changes is a shift to emphasize the provision of care in outpatient
clinics instead of within an acute hospital setting. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has
also recently completed substantial seismic safety improvements and now meets state seismic safety
standards until 2030.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System provides healthcare services. Health and Safety Code
Sections 32121-32138 authorizes various powers including the ability to build and operate hospitals
and other healthcare facilities in underserved areas. As outlined in the Service Review, the District is
actively planning and budgeting to meet the community’s future needs. All other municipal services,
such as fire, water, sewer, and public safety, are available and provided by neighboring agencies.
7 Municipal Service Review determinations required per Government Code section 56430.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 43
4. Financial Ability of Agency to Provide Services
The District’s financial ability to provide services is well established, as outlined in this Service
Review. The District has successfully kept costs in line with revenues since the 2010 and 2011 Fiscal
Years when operating expenses exceeded operating revenues. Audited financial statements from
Fiscal Years 2012 to 2016 indicate that the District’s total operating revenues exceeded total operating
expenditures each year with a difference ranging from $171,000 to $31.5 million.
5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is an integral and important part of the Monterey County
healthcare system. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and other healthcare providers both
compete and share in the provision of services.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System provides additional services to communities through
proactive partnerships with private and public organizations. SVMHS has entered a joint-venture
ownership of three entities with Montage Health, the parent company of the Community Hospital
of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP). This partnership helps make healthcare more affordable and
accessible for all Monterey County residents. SVMHS has also joined Montage Health and Natividad
Medical Center to provide patients with access to their health information online via a secure internet
portal called Central Coast Health Connect (CCHC). Additionally, Salinas Valley Memorial
Healthcare System is working to streamline the transfer of patients from Hazel Hawkins Memorial
Hospital (operated by the San Benito Healthcare District in San Benito County) and Mee Memorial
Hospital in King City to SVMHS for medical services and procedures those institutions cannot
provide.
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Government Structure and
Operational Efficiencies
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is governed by a five-Member Board of Directors. Each
Member is elected by voters from within a specific geographic zone. This zoned election system was
implemented by the District in 2012 as a means to more accurately reflect the diversity within the
community. The District maintains an informative web page to inform its residents and hosts a
variety of community events to keep community residents informed of health issues. The District
operates efficiently as outlined in this study.
7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, As Required by
Commission Policy
LAFCO has reviewed its local policies and there are no other pertinent matters.
LAFCO of Monterey County 44
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS8
Based on the recommended determinations in this section, and the information in this study, this study
provides support for the proposed Sphere of Influence expansion of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
System.
1. The Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, Including Agricultural and Open-Space Lands
The Sphere of Influence and boundaries of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System encompass
approximately 478 square miles. While most of the District’s population resides within the City of
Salinas, the City covers only 23 square miles. The District Sphere of Influence and boundaries include
the City of Gonzales and portions of the City of Marina. It also includes all or portions of the
unincorporated communities of Boronda, Castroville, Chualar, Moss Landing Prunedale, and
Spreckels. The majority of growth projected in the area is within the cities of Salinas and Gonzales.
This growth will necessitate the conversion of agricultural land to residential, commercial and
industrial uses. Development will necessitate environmental review through the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Annexation to any city or special district providing urban
services will require LAFCO approval.
Boundaries of SVMHS have not changed since 1947 (see Figure 1). The LAFCO Executive Officer has
reviewed the District’s current Sphere of Influence and service boundary in consultation with SVMHS
and found that a sphere expansion is appropriate to better reflect Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
System’s actual service area. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System currently serves several
communities within the northern and southern areas of the county. Because services are not limited to
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System residents, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section
32001, SVMHS currently provides services to a larger population beyond its designated boundary.
LAFCO staff recommends expanding the District’s sphere to northern and southern areas and to the
remaining portion of the City of Marina. Approximately 1,300 acres of Marina are already within the
District’s jurisdictional boundary. SVMHS also owns and operates one of its seven Doctor on Duty
locations in the City of Marina but the facility is currently outside its District boundary. Additionally,
SVMHS owns a vacant parcel in the City of Marina which may be developed into another future
medical facility – further investing its resources and expanding its healthcare services to the Marina
community. If approved, the recommended sphere of influence, which utilized school district
boundaries and other municipal borders, would include the unincorporated communities of Las
Lomas, Oak Hill, and Pajaro and the Cities of Greenfield, Gonzales, King City, Marina (remaining
portion) and Soledad. The sphere expansion, if approved, would overlap with the Soledad Community
Health Care District. The sphere expansion will better reflect the service boundary of SVMHS, but
will not change the importance of Soledad Community Health Care District in the Soledad community.
Both healthcare districts play a critical role in the delivery of medical services to Monterey County.
2. The Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area
The operations of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System demonstrate the area’s need for hospital
and related medical facilities. With an expanding population, the need for these services will expand.
SVMHS continues to invest in medical facility upgrades, improvements in outpatient services, and
expansion of critical medical amenities to underserved communities.
8 Sphere of Influence determinations required per Government Code section 56425(e).
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 45
3. The Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the Agency
Provides or is Authorized to Provide
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System operates the 263-bed Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital,
affiliated clinics and facilities. The Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital has received very high ratings
on many of its programs from the Joint Commission, Healthgrades, and the Leapfrog Group. The
District has recently updated the hospital to meet all current state seismic standards and continues
to make improvements to ensure that the physical plant is functional and attractive.
4. The Existence of Any Social or Economic Communities of Interest in the Area, if the Commission
Determines That They Are Relevant to the Agency
There are no social or economic communities of interest in the area that have been determined to be
relevant to the Agency.
LAFCO of Monterey County 46
APPENDIX
SOURCES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LAFCO primarily developed this Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study in
coordination with Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s Executive Team, specifically Pete
Delgado (Chief Executive Officer) and Adrienne Laurent (Chief Strategic Communications Officer).
Mr. Delgado and Ms. Laurent met several times with LAFCO staff to discuss services and boundaries,
answered our questions, and provided audits, budgets, District agenda packets and other documents.
LAFCO received most of the information in this study through the verbal and written information
provided by the District.
While LAFCO has used a large number of written resources in the preparation of this study, the following
have been key:
a. Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, 2018 Regional Growth Forecast, June 2018
b. California State Auditor, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System: Increased Transparency and
Stronger Controls Are Necessary as It Focuses on Improving Its Financial Situation, March 2012
Report 2011-113
c. Little Hoover Commission, Special Districts: Improving Oversight & Transparency Report,
August 2017
d. Monterey County Resource Management Agency, 2010 Census Data, GIS Database, September
2017
e. Public Policy Institute of California, Perceptions of Local Fiscal Stress During a State Budget
Crisis, December 2009
f. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, Consolidated Financial Statements, June 30, 2011 to
2016.
g. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, Community Health Needs Assessment, June 15, 2017
h. UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and California Center for Public Health Advocacy,
Overweight and Obesity among Children by California Cities, June 2012
i. United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2010-2014
j. United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services, November 2017
Many of these Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System documents and other information on the
District can be found on the District website at http://www.svmh.com.
MSR & Sphere Study – Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System 47