In response to major patient care concerns, four psychiatric hospitals, owned by Pembroke, Mass.-based Arbour Health System, have installed an onsite point-person to see that the deficiencies are remedied, The Boston Globe reports.
The move was spurred by surprise Department of Mental Health inspections at the four facilities: ArbourHospital in Jamaica Plain, Mass., the QuincyCenter, PembrokeHospital and Westwood Lodge. The inspections turned up problems such as failure to perform patient rounds as often as required, insufficient staffing, dirty facilities and incomplete treatment plans, according to the Globe. The hospitals were warned that they wouldn't be able to admit new patients if the violations went uncorrected.
The use of a clinical monitor is a first for the state department of mental health, staff told the Globe. The health system has a track record of questionable care — last year a patient's death prompted a hospital citation for unsafe care.
In a written statement, a system spokeswoman said the organization plans to cooperate with the monitor, according to the Globe.
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