Often when one thinks of ‘psychiatric facilities’ a picture comes to mind that has been reinforced time and time again in popular culture; generally something reminiscent of a scene out of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (and on the chance you haven’t seen the movie or read the book, there are Spark Notes available). Suffice it to say, it’s a depiction of a facility in which patients are treated by harsh nurses, more suited for the military then medicine, and live in fear of even harsher treatments.
Since 1962, when the book was published, we’ve come a tremendous way in our treatment for and of people living with mental illness; however, while that depiction in no way represents mental health care and treatment in 2014, there has been recent news surrounding treatment of patients at Bridgewater State Hospital that is alarming in its callback to harsher times and lack of regard for compassionate treatment.
The Boston Globe has covered the issue in depth (here, here and here – I recommend reading the whole series as they tell the story much more eloquently then I ever could), but the general gist is this:
- Bridgewater State Hospital is a correctional psychiatric hospital that houses inmates alongside civilly committed mental health patients, there for evaluations to determine whether they are fit to stand trial.
- The hospital has come under fire for illegal restraint and isolation practices.
- In 2009, a 23-year-old patient at the hospital died while being restrained, a death the medical examiner ruled a homicide, although no charges were ever filed.
- Since 2009, instead of declining, as one would expect, use of restraints has only increased.
Recent lawsuits brought by families of patients are bringing attention to the systemic issues at the hospital, but more must be done. Those living with mental illness are a particularly vulnerable population, and we must protect and preserve their right to treatment. Mental health and physical health go hand in hand, and sending people struggling with mental health issues, who often have not been charged with any crime, to a correctional institution that equates mental health treatment with isolation and restraint is a step away from rehabilitation, and a giant step away from health.
– Jessie
Image source: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/law-enforce-and-cj/prisons/doc-facilities/bridgewater-state-hospital.html
Health Advocacy at NEU 