Kelly Brenk, senior director of Community Health for Sutter Health, speaks at a beam-signing ceremony for WellSpace Health in Placer County. Thanks to a Sutter $4.5 million investment, WellSpace and Sutter Health now operate on a shared electronic health record system, commonly known as an EHR.

By Katie Durham, Vitals contributor

Imagine this: You or someone you love arrives at the hospital in labor. It’s a moment filled with anticipation, nerves and hope. As the team prepares for your baby’s arrival, you’re asked detailed questions about your medical history — your obstetrician visits, prenatal labs, medications, even past pregnancies — because the doctor doesn’t have access to your records. Instead of focusing on giving birth, you’re trying to recall your every medical detail. 

Now imagine a different experience: the clinician greets you and says, “We already have your medical history.” Instantly, the care team can see your OB notes, diabetes medications, lab results and more — everything they need to provide safe, seamless and informed care. You’re free to focus on what matters most: welcoming your baby into the world. 

This is no longer a what-if. It’s now a reality for thousands of patients, thanks to a new integration between Sutter Health and WellSpace Health, one of the region’s largest federally qualified health center networks, also known as FQHCs. 

A Shared System, A Shared Commitment 

Community health investments are a shared commitment that strengthens the overall well-being of the populations the Sutter Heatlh serves, particularly those most vulnerable. This work is led by Sutter Health’s External Affairs team in close partnership with FQHCs and other local organizations, working together within a coordinated system to advance community health. 

Thanks to a $4.5 million investment from Sutter Health, both organizations now operate on a shared electronic health record platform — Epic. This integration enables real-time access to patient data across both systems: labs, imaging, medications, allergies and clinical notes. It’s a leap forward in continuity and coordination of care. 

But this integration isn’t just about technology. It’s about strengthening trust and improving access.   

Historically, patients who rely on community health centers often face fragmented care when transitioning to hospitals or specialists. Now, the Epic integration allows for faster and seamless care between both providers — built on trust following patients from their WellSpace Health clinic to Sutter Health and back again. 

“Investing in the integration of Epic is essential to the wellbeing of all patients,” said Kelly Brenk, senior director of Community Health for Sutter Health. “Closing gaps in healthcare information helps us deliver not only the best clinical outcomes, but also the best possible patient experience. This collaboration with WellSpace Health reflects our ongoing commitment to collaboration — and to providing faster, safer and more seamless care across our region.” 

Whole-Person Care, Without Interruption 

Sutter Health’s vision is to be the most comprehensive, integrated and connected health system for getting and staying well. That vision requires strong collaboration with partners who share Sutter’s commitment to whole-person care.  

This integration of a shared EHR was a natural and necessary step — especially for WellSpace Health moms delivering at Sutter hospitals and for our joint residency program. The goal is simple: to support the seamless transfer of patient information — like charts, histories, medications, and chronic conditions — across different care settings. 

“Our patients trust us with their everyday care — from check-ups to managing chronic conditions,” said Dr. Jonathan Porteus, CEO of WellSpace Health. “This new system means if one of our patients access care at a Sutter Health hospital, they’re not starting over. We can confidently say their care continues seamlessly. That’s a game-changer for maternal health, for diabetes management and for so many other health conditions.” 

A Future Built on Trust 

Patients no longer have to repeat their story over and over or worry that something critical might be missed. When medical history, medications and treatment plans are accessible in real-time, care becomes safer, more personal and more efficient. That consistency matters for everyone, but it’s especially meaningful for populations who face the greatest barriers to care. 

“This kind of integration sends a powerful message to our patients,” said Dr. Peter Hull, chief medical officer of Sutter Health’s Greater Sacramento Division. “It tells them: ‘We see you. We remember you. Your care matters. Every step of the way.’ Over time, that consistency builds trust and patients begin to feel confident that the system will support them, not fail them. 

“For providers, that kind of trust is just as meaningful. It strengthens the connection with patients, supports more informed decision-making, and allows us clinicians to focus on what matters most: caring for people in the moments they need it most,” continued Dr. Hull. 

“This is more than a technology upgrade. It’s Sutter Health’s mission — to care for our patients first and our people always — in action. By connecting systems, we’re connecting patient stories. By sharing records, we’re sharing responsibility. And by working together, we’re building a future of whole-person, connected care that is more accessible and efficient.”