June news from Sonoma Developmental Center

from Kathleen Miller, PHA President 

Sonoma Developmental Center is currently undergoing an extended licensing survey. Concurrent to this survey our Clinical Director Dawn Percy appears to have been replaced by an individual from DDS. This new interim Clinical Director is Glenda Penny and she is unfamiliar to most staff and family members.

Dawn Percy has worked in developmental centers and finally at Sonoma for many years. She is liked and respected by families and staff and residents. I do not know the reasons behind this change as when PHA members asked we were given a “no comment” response. What I do know is that she will be sorely missed in her role as Clinical Director.

The ICF survey team is doing a long and very in depth review of Sonoma and seems to be focusing on issues around client protection. As family you are free to contact the licensing team and share any issues or concerns you might have. If you call the general number at SDC (which is 938-6000) and ask for quality assurance they should be able to assist you in setting up a meeting with the licensing team. As family members we welcome the licensing team to Sonoma and appreciate the role they play in assuring our loved ones are safe and well cared for.

There is some good news on the Sonoma front. The Executive Director Karen Clark has assured the PHA Board that despite cuts in SCOE funding actual services will not be cut! In this climate of budget cuts we appreciate this commitment to Sonoma’s residents.  Without any elimination of services there is no need to be concerned that NF residents won’t continue to receive the same active programming that they currently receive.

Remember to check in on our website the latest news. Even the Gazette can’t always keep up with the fast pace of current changes.  Checking in at www.parenthospitalassociation.org is the best way to keep informed of the latest news.