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

Site Selection Mistakes: What Not To Do

Healthcare providers that treat site selection as a strategic decision, not a simple real estate deal, will be positioned for long-term success.


High-Performance EFCO Systems Shape MUSC's New Black River Medical Center

Case study: A sweeping curved-glass entrance, impact-resistant envelope and energy-efficient fenestration support a sustainable, resilient design for one of South Carolina’s newest rural hospitals.


Heritage Valley Health System to Officially Affiliate with Alleghany Health Network

With the affiliation now complete, Heritage Valley Beaver and Heritage Valley Sewickley will be rebranded.


The Impact of Acoustics on Patient Privacy

As healthcare facilities evolve toward more open and flexible care environments, acoustic privacy has become essential.


Texas Behavioral Health Center in Dallas Opens with Ribon-Cutting Ceremony

The 456,265-square-foot facility offers a variety of therapeutic, recreational and social spaces that prepare patients for life outside the hospital.


 
 


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.