(SACRAMENTO, CA) The following is a statement from Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, on today’s announcement that Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa and Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital ended negotiations for a purchase agreement and transfer of services to Memorial.

“This is an enormous relief for our community,” said Evans.  “Sutter Memorial Hospital, formerly known as Community Hospital, has provided over 150 years of service to our community.  Sonoma County’s health care system has teetered on the verge of collapse for a long time.  We need to preserve and expand quality health care options in our community.  I will continue fighting for health care reform so that our health care system can continue to serve our needs.”