Emergency room physicians at Adventist Health Ukiah (Calif.) Valley recognize a crucial need for a psychiatric facility, according to a Ukiah Daily Journal report.
Marvin Trotter, MD, a physician at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, cited several incidents with patients placed on mental health holds who have put themselves, other patients and staff at risk.
Nurses at the hospital also noted instances of significant physical damage to the ER, which is not designed to treat patients who require a therapeutic environment, according to the Ukiah Daily Journal report.
"They need one-on-one care, where they are immediately put back on their medications and begin therapy in a place where their family can visit and be involved in their therapy," Dr. Trotter said.
Gary Fausone, MD, an emergency medicine physician in the Pacific Redwood Medical Group, said the Ukiah emergency department saw an increase in mental health patients that has tripled from 2016-17.
To alleviate the problem, a mental health sales tax measure is on the ballot to propose the construction of psychiatric and behavioral facilities in Mendocino County, Calif.