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digg itThere is a truly exciting revolution taking place in the mental health world, which SWVMHI appears to be all about. More than just “consumer rights”, it’s about getting away from the old stigma attached to mental health and viewing clients (I really detest the politically correct “consumer” label) not as their diagnosis, but as unique individuals with unique characteristics.
Unfortunately, SWVMHI is just paying lip service to this movement as the meds are pumped into the patients with alarming irresponsibility.
The top down, hierarchical, structure of administration stifles creative thought and communication, creating exactly the opposite of a healing environment.
The “US” and “THEM” battle lines are drawn again and again, interdepartmentally, hierarchically, and ultimately doing the most damage in the clear demarcation between staff and patients. Obviously, with any percentage of clients being NGRI (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity) a certain amount of precautions are necessary, to say the least. The mistake that SWVMHI makes, however, is to exaggerate and celebrate these demarcations while at the same time pretending like they are taking the progressive approach.
These are the real problems behind the psychotic breach and two bits says the IG won’t even get close to truth.
Inspector general probes conflict at mental health institute
Smyth County News: News >
Sat May 10, 2008 - 10:16 AM
By STEPHANIE PORTER-NICHOLS/Staff
The office responsible for oversight of state mental-health facilities is investigating a personnel situation at Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute that has resulted in the institute’s director taking three weeks of paid leave.
A spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse emphasized Friday that the situation is not criminal in nature and did not impact patient care.
Meghan McGuire, department communications director, did describe the personnel matter as a “significant conflict,” one that prompted the mental health agency’s commissioner to request an “independent and comprehensive” investigation by the department’s inspector general. Since it is a personnel situation, McGuire said she couldn’t elaborate on the issue.
She did confirm that Dr. Cynthia McClaskey began paid leave effective Monday, May 5. McClaskey, who has worked at the institute for about 20 years, was named acting director in 2002 and became the director shortly thereafter.
In the interim, McGuire said, Dr. Jack Barber, the director of Western State Hospital in Staunton, is serving as the Marion institute’s interim director.
According to McGuire, the inspector general’s team is expected to arrive in Marion next week to interview staff, review records and “determine the best course of action.” While she couldn’t specify a timeframe for the investigation, McGuire said the team should be able to “determine the scope and complexity of the situation quickly.”
An office within the Department of Mental Health, the inspector general is appointed by the governor. The office conducts announced and unannounced inspections of state facilities. The inspector general’s office was created by the Virginia General Assembly to in part “prevent problems, abuses and deficiencies in” the mental-health system. The office is also directed to respond to complaints of abuse, neglect or inadequate care.
Appointed first by Gov. Mark Warner in 2004 and reappointed by Gov. Tim Kaine in 2007, James W. Stewart III serves as the inspector general. He has worked in the state’s mental health system for more than 30 years.
Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute is a 172-bed state psychiatric institute that serves adult, geriatric and adolescent individuals from throughout Southwest Virginia.
McGuire said the institute is known for its high standards of care and said the agency has no reason to believe that would be altered.
On May 1, 160 patients were hospitalized at the institute.
A 2005 inspector general’s report said the institute had 531 approved full-time employee positions, including six psychiatrists, two internists, nine psychologists, 17 social workers, 13 activity therapists and more than 100 nurses and nurse managers.