The Petaluma Health Care District board unanimously approved the selection on Friday of Paladin Healthcare as the next operator of Petaluma Valley Hospital. Now, it’s up to the public to vote on it June 6.

In the next few weeks, PHCD will be hosting a series of forums and public meetings to talk about the board’s choice and address community concerns, while continuing negotiations on a final agreement with Paladin Healthcare and working to ensure the transition from St. Joseph Health goes as smoothly as possible.

In the meeting, Ramona Faith, CEO of the Petaluma Healthcare District, said Paladin made it clear they will maintain core services and honor hospital workers’ current union contracts. Employment for current Petaluma Valley Hospital staffers in good standing is guaranteed for six months.

The search for a new operator for the publicly-owned Petaluma Valley Hospital began in earnest when talks with St. Joseph Health ended abruptly in the fall, with neither side able to agree on financial terms.

After those talks fell through, the board sent out requests for proposals in November 2016, and bids were due Jan. 31.

Bids were also received from KPC Health Inc. and Pipeline Health, which currently operates Sonoma West Medical Center.

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

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