Delaware’s effort to reform the way patients are treated at the Delaware Psychiatric Center after an investigation by the Wilmington News Journal is making progress.
That’s according to court appointed monitor Robert Bernstein, executive director of the Washington-Based Bazelon Center for Mental health Law.
The 29 page evaluation says there has been an increase in crisis services and a reduction in hospital stays and court-ordered treatment.
There has also been an increase in supported housing and supported employment as well as new mental health screeners who help place patients in the most appropriate care.
The report is the result of a settlement between the U.S. Justice Department and the state of Delaware after the DOJ sued the state for violating the civil rights of patients.
However, Dr. Neil Kaye, a psychiatrist who has served panels that evaluate the health system in the wake of the settlement, told the Wilmington News Journal that he is still concerned about whether people were getting the treatment they needed and if they are getting better.
He says he has not seen any reports on those issues.
