MONTPELIER, Vt.—Things are getting better at the Vermont State Hospital, but the Waterbury institution still has work to do, according to a new federal report.
The findings by the U.S. Department of Justice marked the third of an expected eight checkups for the 110-year-old hospital during a four-year period. They were prompted by findings 18 months ago that the hospital had problems ensuring the civil rights of some patients.
"We are making very good, gradual progress," said Beth Tanzman, deputy commissioner of mental health. "We are squarely in compliance with the time frames set out in the agreements."
Drs. Jeffrey Geller and Mohamed El-Saabawi reported for the Justice Department that while progress was being made, the hospital still needs to improve patient assessments and coordination of treatment by specialists.
An advocacy group welcomed the report.
"We are encouraged that under Mental Health Commissioner Michael Hartman there does seem to be progress and momentum toward improving the Vermont State Hospital," said Ken Libertoff, executive director of the Vermont Association for Mental Health.
"People are going to a facility that is not recognized by the federal government of being up to standard," Libertoff added. "It is good news we are improving but we still have a state facility that is basically uncertified."
He urged that state continue its ongoing efforts to come up with a plan to replace the Waterbury hospital.
Tanzman said that remained the goal, but that the Waterbury hospital needs to be improved on an interim basis. "For the foreseeable future we need it in some form," she said.
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Information from: The Times Argus, http://www.timesargus.com/
