FMC’s Mental Health Unit Honored By Mass. Dept. Of Mental Health

GREENFIELD — Franklin Medical Center’s Inpatient Mental Health Unit recently received a Commissioner’s Award from the Mass. Dept. of Mental Health (DMH) for its restraint-reduction/elimination efforts.

Awards were presented at the annual Commissioner’s Recognition Awards reception at the Statehouse in Boston last month. The distinguished service awards recognize individuals, programs, and organizations that have made significant contributions to people with mental illness in the areas of advocacy, public education, treatment, research, and rehabilitation. Franklin Medical Center was one of 17 award winners from across the Commonwealth.

The restraint-reduction/elimination award recognizes the FMC Mental Health Unit’s “outstanding efforts in reducing the incidence of restraint and seclusion — a goal consistent with a mental health system that treats people with dignity, respect, and mutuality, protects their rights, provides the best care possible and assists patients with their recovery.” During the re-licensing survey held earlier this year, the Mass. Dept. of Mental Health commended FMC’s Mental Health Unit team for its effective de-escalation planning. Robyn Miller, MSN, APRN, BC, manager of FMC’s Mental Health Unit, explained, “We revised our treatment using a trauma-informed perspective. We focus on working collaboratively with our patients whenever possible. We listen to what has worked in the past and offer people new skills and tools for self-calming. This is key to preventing the need for using restraint and seclusion.”

Praising Miller and the Mental Health Unit staff, Deborah Palmeri, RN, MSN, Director of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer, said, “Robyn and her staff have worked very hard to establish a program that is both therapeutic and safe, and one in which the patients are treated with respect.