BFMC’s Mental Health Unit Receives Two-year Certification

GREENFIELD — Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Mental Health Unit recently underwent and passed its biannual Mass. Department of Mental Health (DMH) licensing survey, certifying the unit through April 2011.

Every two years, representatives from the DMH come to BFMC to review policies and practices, especially those addressing human rights, the handling of complaints and investigations, interpreter services, and reduction of the use of restraint and seclusion. The surveyors spend a day meeting with the MHU leadership team, touring the unit, interviewing staff, and reviewing patient charts.

As Janet Curley, program manager of the Mental Health Unit, explained, “this year, the surveyors noted our continuing low use of restraint and seclusion, and our efforts to use alternative interventions for escalating behaviors. They were also impressed that the Mental Health Unit had received a Baystate Health Safety Award in 2007 for the development of its violence-prevention plan.

“The BFMC Mental Health Unit team consistently works hard to maintain an environment that is both safe and comfortable for our patients,” Curley added. “We are proud of the high level of engagement among our staff to improve care and provide for a healing environment.”

The BFMC Mental Health Unit is a 22-bed unit serving the psychiatric needs of adults in Franklin County. Its staff includes psychiatrists, physician assistants, registered nurses, social workers, an art therapist, mental health counselors, and support personnel who work in collaboration with the BFMC medical staff to provide comprehensive care for psychiatric illness.