DHSS Press Release

DELAWARE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER IN GOOD STANDING WITH HEALTH CARE FINANCE ADMINISTRATION

HCFA Lifts Serious and Immediate Threat Status

NEW CASTLE - The Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA) today lifted the serious-and-immediate-threat status it imposed on the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) earlier this month after HCFA inspectors visited the institution, reviewed recent records and found DPC to be in good order with sufficient staff.

The removal of the serious-and-immediate-threat status means that HCFA is now satisfied with the condition of the hospital's staffing. HCFA issued the warning in mid-February, after inspectors visited DPC on January 14 and January 27 and reported that the ratio of nurses to patients was not sufficient in the admissions unit.

In accordance with HCFA procedures, DPC officials developed a corrective action plan to address the shortage. The central piece of the corrective action plan called for hiring five additional nurses from medical temporary agencies to supplement the existing staff. Despite the national shortage of nurses - which is hitting psychiatric hospitals particularly hard because of the challenges of working with the mentally ill - DPC was able to hire five temporary nurses from two Delaware agencies.

"The nursing shortage made it tough, but we fought hard to find those nurses because we want to be sure that we always have enough staff to give our patients the very best care," said Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary of Delaware Health and Social Services, DPC's parent agency.

When HCFA inspectors visited DPC today, they found that the hospital is sufficiently staffed and promptly lifted the serious-and-immediate-threat status.

For a longer-term solution, DPC officials are working toward moving patients into community settings, such as group homes or supervised apartments, when they are determined to be ready by the doctor and treatment team. Officials also are seeking new facilities for patients who still need care, securing an automated scheduling system to make it easier to deploy staff, and developing creative ways to attract and recruit nursing staff.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.