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

Biofilm Disruption: Core Strategy for Environmental Hygiene

Integrating mechanical disruption and preventive cleaning into standard practices can reduce dry-surface biofilms.


CHRISTUS Health Opens New Multi-Specialty Clinic in Mount Pleasant

The clinic is designed with patient comfort and convenience in mind.


AdventHealth Breaks Ground on New Port Richey ER

The facility is expected to open in 2027.


How Curated Art Elevates Senior Care Spaces

Thoughtfully selected artwork can shape perception, improve flow and create a more engaging care environment.


The CDC's Guide to Hand Hygiene in Healthcare

Hand hygiene may seem simple, but the CDC has a set of guidelines that all healthcare facility managers and staff should be aware of. These are just a few of the notable tips. 


 
 


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.