90 days and then what???

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

The psych hospital in Huntington has been put on 90 day notice to improve conditions for patients and staff. Then what? Things have been bad down there for years and no plan has worked, so what now.

[Noryn]

I always remember one quote from a former co worker, "when has a state agency shut another state agency down?"

I have heard conditions there are horrid. Based on what I have read, I feel it is a travesty the administration has been allowed to remain in place. Maybe they are religious, because to fix the problems there in 90 days will take nothing short of a miracle.

[Redneckmedic63]

Total lack of beds, and huge increase of patients over the past few years. Yet no one at the state would even admit there was a problem. I work part-time in an ER, and see mental pt's denied admission to these facilities daily that should be, d/t lack of beds. They will refer to outpatient instead.

There was an article in the Charleston newspaper this morning that offered an interesting fix - that Highlands in Kanawha City has applied for 110 bed expansion for the specific reason to take those that the state cannot. Will include unit for violent patients. Seems like the state should hop on that one ASAP - even help to get it built...

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Admission to Highland Hospital used to boil down to good insurance coverage, maybe they have changed. Everyone knows there are more beds needed, more staff, more modern equiptment need at Huntington but there seems to be no one willing or able to convince the state the need is there. Maybe RR paying back the 4 mil will help ease the burden and let some other problems be taken care of now. LOL!

[Noryn]

Great article in the daily mail about this. The same ombudsman basically gave the same report 2 years ago. No changes. Well actually there was a change--they over crowded the hospital even more.

http://www.dailymail.com/News/200807090242

Sudbeck has recommended the state fix the hospital's problems within 90 days. But a similar report conducted by Sudbeck in 2006 led to zero improvements.

"The problem has just gotten worse," Sudbeck said Tuesday. "When you look at Bateman in 2006, they were one over capacity at 91. Now there are over 117 patients there, and as many as 121 last week."

[edchunt, BSN, RN]

I probably shouldn't say too much here, but... Bateman is not the only state place that is like this. If you catch my meaning. I'll probably get in trouble for saying that, but the truth can be hurtful at times. I moved on to a medical facility but they are cutting personell. So it's everywhere. As for the overbedding and having three to a room. There is a place up north that operates in much the same fashion. Run by the same agency.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Hey ed,

I get the meaning of your post. I am so appalled at the current conditions in one local state facility, not to mention the low pay rate, I could not believe it. Like you, I cannot say much, but you all know I live close to Beckley and you can take it from there.

How is the new job going,ed? Have a great day.