Hospital backers lose a round
BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Thursday, April 26, 2012 2:03 AM EDT
Taunton State Hospital. (Staff photo by Mike George)
The amendment would have also required a comprehensive study of what some have called a mental health care crisis in Massachusetts.
Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration has proposed closing the 169-bed facility, which would be largely replaced by a new state hospital in Worcester.
The move is opposed by area officials who say it would create a mental health care vacuum in Southeastern Massachusetts and deeply affect existing patients and their families.
"I’m totally disappointed and, in fact, outraged that this would go to a vote without debate," said state Sen. Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton, an advocate of keeping the hospital open.
The House rejected a strong amendment to retain the hospital, and instead passed a weaker amendment allowing the closure while creating 30 privatized beds somewhere in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Pacheco pledged to keep fighting to keep the hospital open.
"We are shocked and dismayed by the House’s failure to respond to what can only be described as an abandonment of responsibility for the care of the mentally ill in Massachusetts," said Karen Coughlin, a nurse at Taunton State Hospital and vice president of the Massachusetts Nurses Association/National Nurses United.
"We have no mental health care safety net in Massachusetts. There are not, and have not been, enough beds or services in the system for years," she said.
Taunton State Hospital is one of six state operated acute and chronic mental health facilities.
The state plans to move 120 of the 169 beds to the new Worcester State Hospital, with the other 45 going to Tewksbury State Hospital.
“
