Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Regarding the April 10 Metro article "St. E's Still Lacks Staff, Court Is Told" and comments about St. Elizabeths Hospital that appeared in an editorial yesterday:

We want to provide information on our progress to ensure that patients receive high-quality care. Since January, the hospital has received $8.6 million to hire additional clinical staff, buy medical equipment and supplies, and upgrade facilities. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's fiscal 2008 budget adds significant funding.

St. Elizabeths is making progress by improving staffing patterns, clinical interventions and staff training. Other changes include active screening and treatment for co-occurring illnesses such as substance abuse; increased visiting hours so family members can be more involved in the recovery process; active discharge planning among our community partners, staff and patients; and regular training with clinicians from successful hospitals to model national best practices.

Construction is underway to replace the 150-year-old hospital with a new facility in 2009. This is just the start. Our goal is to be a fully accredited hospital with state-of-the-art patient care.

PATRICK CANAVAN

Chief Executive Officer

St. Elizabeths Hospital

STEPHEN T. BARON

Director

D.C. Department of Mental Health

Washington