State issues report on psychiatric hospitals

A Department of Health progress report on reforms to the state’s psychiatric hospitals outlines reductions in the census, fewer patient assaults, $4.8 million in life safety improvements and increased staffing.
The progress report measures improvements made by the Department’s Division of Behavioral Health Services, which issued its 18-month action plan last August. The plan covers the three regional state psychiatric hospitals — Ancora, Greystone and Trenton — as well as Ann Klein Forensic Center, a 200-bed facility in West Trenton for individuals with mental illness who are involved in the criminal court system.
Patient assaults have declined 29 percent in the first quarter of this year compared with the first quarter of last year. Assaults vary at hospitals based on the population being treated there. The census has declined 10.6 percent from 1,504 in January 2018 to 1,344 in April. A total of $4.8 million has been invested in physical plant upgrades and 4,500 staff have been retrained in emergency medical response procedures, according to the progress report. The clinical staff has been increased by 135 including a dozen psychiatrists and four advanced practice nurses, which has allowed for more face-to-face time between patients and providers.
“Across the hospital system, we’ve made significant progress in improving the culture of safety and standardizing training and evidence-based clinical treatment practices. There is still much work to do, but every day we are moving closer to ensuring the best possible quality of care for those who are among the most vulnerable patients in the state,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal.
As recommended in the Executive Assessment of the hospitals issued last August, active treatment provided to patients has increased through expanded use of Advanced Practice Nurses in collaboration with psychiatrists at the three regional hospitals. The Department is also maximizing the time that psychologists spend with patients in clinical treatment.
“As part of our standardized system of care, we are expanding our collaboration with Rutgers University to implement trauma-informed care interventions across the hospital system,” said Deborah Hartel, Deputy Commission for the Division of Behavioral Health Services.