In December of 2021, a dream became a reality, thanks to many supporters. The Adult Behavioral Unit received its first patients. Now beyond its first full year of treating mental health sufferers needing inpatient care, the psychiatry team has been able to analyze 12 months of data.
The team reports that the volume of patients has increased over prior years due to an improvement in the flow of patients through St. Mary’s behavioral health services. A reduction in the length of stay required by inpatients is attributed to the vast change in the care environment.
“The patients treated in the new unit are presenting with more severe and complex diagnoses, but because of the new unit, we are equipped to treat them,” says Paul S. Rochleau RN, PMH-BC, BSN, MSB, director of behavioral services strategic planning. “Having private rooms for patients has greatly reduced the spread of infections and preserved patient privacy and dignity. Having their own space to retreat to in order to de-escalate has lessened the need for restraint or use of the seclusion room.”
“I have privacy in my room now that I don’t have a roomate,” says an anonymous patient. “I also like going to meet new friends and hanging out with them in the new group spaces.”