NAPA, Calif., FAIRFIELD, Calif. (April 9, 2026) — Providence and NorthBay Health announced today the organizations have reached a definitive agreement to transfer ownership of Queen of the Valley Medical Center and related assets, including ambulatory clinics, in Napa County from Providence to NorthBay Health. The definitive agreement marks the next formal milestone in transitioning The Queen to NorthBay Health since the organizations announced last month they entered into a letter of intent.
The U.S. health care sector is in a moment of historic transformation. Providence has declared a bold vision for the future: to be the best place to give and receive care as the health system creates a delivery model for the future, supported by innovation and positive change. This transformation requires thoughtful planning, ensuring Providence can deliver compassionate, high-quality care in communities where the organization is best positioned to be a long-term partner.
In the months-long discernment process with leaders and individuals with diverse perspectives, it became clear to Providence that NorthBay Health was best positioned to address the long-term health care needs in the Napa community.
“As Providence pursues its 2030 strategic direction, we recognize that we must focus our resources where we can do the greatest good,” said Laureen Driscoll, Chief Executive, Providence South Division. “We are confident that NorthBay Health is the right organization to build on The Queen’s legacy and continue the commitment to exceptional care for the Napa community. This milestone marks another important step in the process to thoughtfully transition The Queen to NorthBay Health.”
As part of the definitive agreement, NorthBay Health will make several commitments to continue this legacy, including investing in clinical services and community benefit programs, extending offers of employment with NorthBay Health to actively employed caregivers, ensuring seismic requirements are met and supporting the Queen of the Valley Foundation in its philanthropic investments in the community.
“As a California-owned, locally governed, community-based health system, we are proud to build on Queen of the Valley Medical Center’s long-standing legacy of care,” said Mark Behl, President and CEO of NorthBay Health. “This agreement represents an important step toward expanding access, strengthening clinical services, and ensuring more people in the region benefit from high-quality, locally connected care.”
For more than 65 years, NorthBay Health has been guided by a simple purpose: caring for our neighbors and strengthening the health of the communities we serve. The organization believes health care is strongest when decisions are made close to home, by people who understand their communities and are accountable to them. That commitment has shaped NorthBay Health’s growth, from expanding access to investing in services that meet the evolving needs of its region.
With a definitive agreement in place, the organizations will move into the regulatory review phase. The organizations have launched a website (AdvancingNapaHealth.org) where the community can follow progress. Pending regulatory review and approval, the transition is expected to occur by the end of 2026.
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About NorthBay Health
NorthBay Health is a locally governed, nonprofit health care system serving Solano County and surrounding communities in Northern California. The organization today includes two acute-care hospitals — NorthBay Health Medical Center in Fairfield and NorthBay VacaValley Hospital in Vacaville — supported by multiple primary care and specialty clinics and four urgent care centers across the region. With 150+ physicians in primary and specialty care and a network designed to bring accessible, high-quality care close to home, NorthBay Health is committed to advancing clinical excellence, compassionate service, and community well-being. The system’s experienced team delivers comprehensive services ranging from emergency and trauma care to maternal and child health, cancer care, heart and vascular services, and more, with a focus on innovation, patient experience, and community health improvement.
About Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center
Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center is a nonprofit, acute-care hospital serving Napa Valley and surrounding communities for more than 60 years. Part of Providence, a national nonprofit health system, The Queen is guided by a mission to provide compassionate, high-quality, whole-person care, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. The medical center offers a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, maternity services, surgical care, cancer care, heart and vascular services, and advanced specialty care, delivered by dedicated caregivers committed to the health and well-being of the community.
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