Mental hospital escape investigation finds 25,000 keys missing

Report on Seattle hospital includes a list of mistakes, blunders and deceptions at what should be a secure facility


An investigation of the escape of two violent patients at a Seattle mental hospital found a list of "mistakes, blunders and deceptions" at what should be a secure facility, according to an article on the CBS website.

Seattle Corrections officials who investigated the April escape at Western State Hospital determined there were no routine inspections; 25,000 master keys were missing; thousands of tools used to open patient windows had been misplaced; and management was unwilling to recognize that failing to focus on security puts patients and the public at risk.

Hospital CEO Cheryl Strange said the hospital had made significant safety improvements since the escapes.

She said hospital officials would replace locks and issue new keys on all exterior doors.

Read the article.

 

 



September 29, 2016


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

Disinfectant Contact Time: The Case for Biofilm Disruption

Contact time, while essential for compliance, does not reliably predict microbial reduction on actual healthcare surfaces.


Rethinking How Healthcare Facilities Fund Construction Projects

Rising costs and competing priorities are driving healthcare organizations to explore new financing arrangements and construction strategies.


Putting Trauma-Informed Design into Practice

Arnold's Place demonstrates how design choices can promote dignity and a sense of control for those experiencing homelessness.


Harris Health to Build New Freestanding Cancer Center

The center is planned to open in 2029, following the opening of the new O'Quinn Hospital along the North Loop at Lockwood.


Inland Empire Health Plan Opens Expanded San Bernardino Community Wellness Center

The new 33,000-square-foot center is nearly three times the size of the original location off Second Street.


 
 


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.