Butler Hospital officially opens new short-stay unit
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Butler Hospital has officially opened its brand new short-stay unit in hopes of keeping patients facing mental health challenges out of overcrowded emergency rooms.
The short-stay unit consists of 25 beds for patients in need of emergency care that may not need to be admitted for an extended period of time.
"Providing Rhode Islanders with the proper behavioral healthcare they need when they need it is crucial to our state's overall well-being," Gov. Dan McKee said. "This unit will allow for timely, effective support and care while reducing extra strain on emergency rooms in our hospitals."
The short-stay unit is also designed to accommodate distinct patient populations through the usage of flexible pods, which ensure that physical space limitations do not impact access to care.
The flexible pods allow the short-stay unit to increase or decrease the number of beds per patient population, as well as separate them when necessary. It also gives staff the opportunity to cordon off isolation rooms for patients with specific needs.
"Nationwide, hospitals are seeing more emergency room visits that are mental and behavioral health-related," Sen. Jack Reed said. "Nobody should have to wait for days in crisis during an emergency."
Butler Hospital President Mary Marran said the short-stay unit "represents a significant expansion of the hospital's continuum of care." It also eliminates "emergency room boarding," she added.
(Courtesy: Care New England)(Courtesy: Care New England)(Courtesy: Care New England)(Courtesy: Care New England)(Courtesy: Care New England)(Courtesy: Care New England)(Courtesy: Care New England)(Courtesy: Care New England)
"Our patients are our highest priority," Marran said. "The short-stay unit is not only an important investment in our health care system, but will also enhance our ability to provide timely and effective care to individuals experiencing acute mental health challenges."
Butler Hospital expects patients to spend two-to-three days in the short-stay before being discharged or transferred for further treatment.
Though the new unit is a step forward in addressing the state's mental health crisis, R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals Director Thomas Martin acknowledged that more still needs to be done.
That's why he said the state is focused on investing in a streamlined outpatient system designed to keep patients out of hospitals.
Martin said the state hopes to have eight certified community behavioral health clinics open by October, and is working to add enhanced group homes for those with medically-intensive needs.
The state is also in the process of securing additional staff and resources to create a 24/7 mobile mental health clinic.
"It's not the panacea, but these are steps in the right direction," Martin said.
Close
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
Daily Roundup
SIGN UP NOW
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings