KALAMAZOO — Michigan Auditor General Doug A. Ringler publicly released a letter to state Rep. Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo) and state Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) today in response to their request for information regarding staffing, overtime and serious incidents at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. The results outlined in the letter identify a general shortage of direct care staff based on recommended staffing levels, causing significant numbers of direct care nursing staff to work overtime or double shifts. The letter also notes that several incidents involving harm to patients or staff occurred while direct care nurses were working overtime. In response to the letter, Rep. Hoadley issued the following statement:
“Every Michigander seeking treatment deserves access to the world-class mental health care they deserve. The results of this audit remind us that when our medical professionals are overworked and understaffed, patients suffer. I will continue to work with the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital and local officials to ensure we are doing all we can to provide the quality of care the people of our community need.”
###