A state investigation has revealed a concerning lack of oversight at Maryland’s maximum-security psychiatric hospital. The investigation uncovered a chaotic environment at the facility, where patients were subjected to abuse and neglect due to a lack of proper supervision. The report highlighted numerous incidents of violence, including assaults on staff and patients, as well as instances of patients being left unattended for hours.
The investigation found that the hospital failed to properly screen and monitor its staff, leading to the hiring of individuals with violent criminal histories. This lack of oversight allowed for a culture of chaos to thrive within the hospital, putting both patients and staff at risk. In addition, the facility was found to be severely understaffed, further exacerbating the dangerous conditions.
The report also revealed that the hospital lacked adequate training for its staff, particularly in de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention. This lack of proper training contributed to the escalating levels of violence within the facility. Furthermore, the investigation found that there were significant deficiencies in the hospital’s policies and procedures, leaving room for confusion and inconsistency in how incidents were handled.
In response to the investigation’s findings, the Maryland Department of Health has vowed to implement a series of reforms to address the issues at the hospital. These reforms include increased oversight of staff, improved training programs, and stricter policies to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. The department has also committed to increasing staffing levels to better meet the needs of the hospital’s patients.
Overall, the investigation has shed light on the troubling conditions at Maryland’s maximum-security psychiatric hospital and has prompted calls for immediate action to rectify the situation. It is clear that a culture of chaos cannot be allowed to persist in a facility responsible for the care and treatment of vulnerable individuals.