В штате Вермонт закрыли четыре койки в психиатрической больнице и сократили штат

Cuts to Vt. psychiatric hospital beds, staff spark concerns BERLIN, Vt. (WCAX) - The state is closing four inpatient beds at the Vermont Psychiatric Hospital and eliminating three recovery services positions, a move raising concerns among lawmakers and people in the criminal justice system. The Department of Mental Health did not say exactly why, other than to eliminate vacant positions at the facility from the state budget. The department said that over the last five years, it has never achieved its 25-bed capacity, in part because it has not been able to hire enough staff to care for patients. The department declined a request for an interview, but a spokesperson said, “The goal was to eliminate vacant positions whenever possible and focus on positions assigned to the unoccupied unit.” But some prosecutors are gravely concerned about losing beds at the secure facility. “Having that available when it’s needed is crucial for the health and safety of that patient and defendant and public safety,” Washington County State’s Attorney Michelle Donnelly said. Donnelly said a judge can order that someone be placed in state custody at the psychiatric hospital under certain circumstances. She said if the beds are closed or taken off-line permanently, it will only put more strain on other facilities-- like the Brattleboro Retreat-- and the mental health care system overall. “Closing a facility or even a few beds and staffing at the highest level of care is really troubling because it’s going to have a trickle-down effect on what’s available at the mid and lower care ends of the spectrum,” Donnelly said. The closure of the beds comes just a year after Central Vermont Medical Center, located next door, closed its entire inpatient mental health wing. The cuts are effective immediately. The Vermont State Employees’ Association has also circulated a petition urging the department to reverse the cuts. Copyright 2026 WCAX. All rights reserved.