In an apparent effort to correct the abysmal and heartbreaking failure of the state?s mental health system, the head of Cherry Hospital, (scene of a recent death caused by staff neglect)
Jack St. Clair has been relieved of his post as reported here. Under St. Clair?s leadership, Cherry Hospital has also had its
federal funding cut off because of the unsafe conditions. At least new
leadership may bring needed changes.
Feeling relieved? Hopeful? Don?t be.
St. Clair did not get fired. He got a transfer – to another state hospital charged with taking care of mental ill patients. Now he?ll be at Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center located in Black Mountain, established by the legislature in 1988 ?for the care and treatment of persons in the mid-stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, who because of combative and assaultive behaviors, are typically unable to find placements in local nursing homes.?
With St. Clair?s performance history at Cherry Hospital this transfer begs the question, what are they thinking?
For real mental health reform ideas, see Coletti?s great paper here and an insightful Daily Journal column here.
