Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

Boston patient dies after delayed window fix

Facility manager of a state psychiatric hospital requested window replacements twice before a patient hurled a chair through a window and jumped


The facility manager of the state-owned Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center requested shatterproof window replacements twice before a patient hurled a chair through a glass window and jumped, according to an article on the Boston Globe website.

Massachusetts mental health officials said there was no money for the fix. Then, just before Christmas, a patient smashed an eighth-floor window and jumped to his death. The funds were approved the next day, the article said.

The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found the hospital did not provide safe care in this case.

A hospital committee had discussed the need for safety windows in patient community rooms at least five times since January 2013, according to the federal report. Even after a memo went to a deputy commissioner at the Department of Mental Health in July, explaining that a patient had recently smashed a window, the glass panes remained, the article said.

Read the article.

 

 



June 25, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

What Accessibility in Senior Care Facilities Should Look Like

The future of design for senior care facilities should go beyond compliance.


Why Identity Governance Is Becoming a Facilities Management Issue

As healthcare buildings grow more connected, weak identity controls can expose HVAC, security and other critical systems to serious risk.


Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital Unveils Phase 1 of Emergency Department Renovations

Phase 1 of the emergency department renovations brings 11 new patient beds, two triage rooms and an isolation room.


Making Multi-Site Lighting Upgrades Work

Success requires a program structure that connects audits, financial analysis, rebate administration, procurement, scheduling and closeout documentation.


Designing a Positive Care Destination for Children

The new Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital reimagines the healthcare experience to create an environment that feels welcoming from arrival to discharge.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.