CLEARLAKE, Calif. – St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake announced the appointment of Colleen Assavapisitkul, RN, BSPA, HACP, to vice president of patient care.

The new role is part of a continued effort by St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake to establish an exceptional team dedicated to health and wellness in Lake County.

Assavapisitkul’s leadership at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake began in 2011 when she joined the organization as director of quality/infection control.

She served as administrative director of patient care before being promoted to chief nursing officer in 2014.

During her time with the hospital, Assavapisitkul was instrumental in opening the new Emergency Department, improving quality scores and building a strong clinical team focused on providing excellent care.

“Colleen puts patient experience first, empowers her nursing staff and has been a pivotal member of our leadership team as we’ve introduced new initiatives and further strengthened our efforts around quality and service,” said David Santos, president and CEO of St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake. “She shares the commitment to excellence that characterizes our organization and is a true embodiment of our mission to share God’s love by providing physical, mental and spiritual care.”

As vice president of patient care, Assavapisitkul will use her experience as a nurse and health care leader to provide enhanced vision and administrative accountability.

Her focus includes further improvements in clinical quality, patient experience and staff engagement.

“It is a privilege to partner with each member of our staff as we serve our patients and influence the health and vitality of our community,” said Assavapisitkul. “I am proud to be working with a team that has the experience and passion to lead us to the next level of excellence in patient care.”

Assavapisitkul’s career in health care includes broad experience in a number of clinical settings, including service in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Bangkok, Thailand.

St. Helena Hospital is part of Adventist Health, a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 75 communities in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Visit www.sthelenahospitalclearlake.org for more information.