The 13 inpatient psychiatric beds slated for closure at Worcester, Mass.-based UMass Memorial Medical Center's University Campus are "necessary for preserving access and health status in the hospitals' service area," according to a letter from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
To reach this finding, the department conducted a review and heard testimony from mental health advocates, caregivers, community members, former patients and elected officials opposed the closing, the Massachusetts Nurses Association said in a news release.
The union, which represents workers at UMass Memorial, said speakers indicated they are worried that the hospital's plans to close 13 of its inpatient psychiatric beds and convert them to medical surgical beds "will negatively impact the care provided to patients, while also leading to an increase in the boarding of psychiatric patients both at UMass Memorial Medical Center, and other hospitals in the region."
The DPH finding comes less than two months before the scheduled June 1 closure. In the letter, the department said UMass Memorial must prepare a plan "that details how access to inpatient psychiatric beds will be maintained for the residents of the service area," and submit this plan within 15 calendar days of receipt of the letter.
"We greatly appreciate DPH's findings that this is an essential service, and that the loss of this service will deprive residents throughout this the region the care they deserve," Lisa Goss, RN, a psychiatric nurse who has worked on the affected unit, said in the union release. "Our hope now is that this finding, and strong outcry against this plan from our community convinces UMass to keep these beds open so we can continue to provide excellent care for our patients suffering with acute mental health conditions."
In an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review, the hospital said it will respond to the department "in accordance with the regulatory process."
"Central to our response will be information regarding the opening of over 275 psychiatric beds in the region capable of providing quality care to patients. We respect and appreciate the important feedback provided by the public during this Essential Services process and remain committed to caring for the healthcare needs of all those in our region," the statement reads.