Lacey examiner takes rare step, recommends approval of mental health hospital at hearing's end
OlympianMay 19, 2021
May 19—A new mental health hospital proposed for northeast
And
"I don't always get to tell you what I plan on doing at the end of these hearings, but based on what I heard today, and the thorough review that occurred, I'm recommending approval of this important facility," he said.
Reeves said he would still issue a written ruling in 10 business days.
Under consideration on Tuesday was an 85-bed mental health hospital proposed by
The nearly 80,000-square-foot project, which has been proposed at
The hearing was attended by a number of people, including the applicant, jointly known as
Both
"We believe there is an unmet need for behavioral health resources," Goss said, adding that although Providence offers a range of mental health services, the emergency room is not always the best setting for these patients.
Prior to the pandemic, the hospital averaged 67 involuntary mental health patients per month, he said.
Goss elaborated on the need in an interview with
"We have a dedicated unit for behavioral health patients (at Providence) and it remains full all the time, and when it's full those patients are then moved upstairs in the acute care setting when they really need a different type of service and support structure," he said. "That's also taking a bed away from someone needing surgery or in our emergency room. A behavioral health hospital provides a very different resource and support structure than in-patient care."
Escarda said the hospital will serve voluntary and involuntary patients, including children, adolescents and adults in areas to treat chemical dependency and addiction, bipolar disorders, depression, PTSD and other mental health diagnoses. The hospital is expected to employ more than 200 people and operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he said.
Fifty to 75 jobs are expected to be created during construction.
The hospital will not be a destination for felons, Escarda said.
"We have no intention of doing forensic work," he said, adding that type of work will still fall under the auspices of the state hospitals in Western (
Patients will not be discharged to the streets, but with an after-care plan, Escarda said. And those patients who are indigent or need charity care will be discharged to the appropriate facilities and support services, he said.
Now, when will the hearings examiner's recommendation come before
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