The superintendent of the state hospital in Jamestown is hoping an interim committee looking at the state’s needs in acute psychiatric treatment will conclude that the state needs a new hospital.
"In spite of the expansion of services, and the reduction of total overall bed needs for the State Hospital, we still need a new hospital," said Dr. Rosalie Etherington. "Ours is old, it's decrepit, in jeopardy of failure, and a new environment will provide better care."
Etherington said three of the existing buildings at the State Hospital, that are beyond repair, will be torn down, possibly yet this year. She said the plan would be to have the facility in one building.
"One hospital building would not only economize care across our campus, it would allow our staff and patients safety," Etherington said. "In addition, it would mean better patient care rooms, better environments with natural light, a greenspace and all sorts of things that in a modern hospital actually produces better results."
The Committee will be hiring a consultant to look at the treatment needs across the state, as well as the need for a modern state hospital.