 The following press release has been issued by Murphy Medical Center CEO Mike Stevenson.
Over the last three years, the Emergency Department of Murphy Medical Center has reported an unprecedented increase of patient volume – exceeding 18,000 visits per year. In the midst of that growth, we are also experiencing the unfortunate consequence of a failed behavioral health program in North Carolina – causing our Emergency Department to be the safety net for a growing number of behavioral health patients. With a twelve-bed capacity, and caring for as many as nine behavioral health patients daily, the impact on our Emergency Department has been significant – challenging our ability to care for all patients and those awaiting placement in mental health facilities across the state. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our 14-bed Alzheimer’s unit and undertake a hospital-wide reorganization to accommodate our growing number of behavioral health patients – ensuring their safety and the safety of other patients, families, visitors and employees. We are currently working very closely with the families of our Alzheimer’s residents to ensure their ongoing comfort and safety – several of which have decided to move their loved ones into our adjacent 120-bed nursing home. There will be no jobs lost as a result of this change. I will be happy to answer any questions regarding the changes we are currently undergoing. Please feel free to contact me directly at (828) 835-7502. Respectfully, Mike Stevenson CEO, Murphy Medical Center Comments are closed.
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