Patients and staff at the Hawaii State Hospital New Patient Facility will continue to move into their new surroundings throughout April and May as part of a phased move-in.
The initial phase saw about 30 patients move into the New Patient Facility when it recently opened, according to a news release from the Hawaii Department of Health. The patients were moved from the Guensburg Building, which has deteriorated in its 70 years of existence.
“This is a day that we’ve been looking forward to for more than 20 years,” Ronald “Run” Heidelberg, Hawaii State Hospital administrator said, according to the state's website. “The New Patient Facility creates a therapeutic, healing environment in a forensic psychiatric facility. We will continue to prioritize staff and patient safety as the phased move-in continues.”
The New Patient Facility now offers the clinical best practices in psychiatric care in a modern therapeutic environment. The new facility is state-of-the-art and features patient care units, therapy and treatment facilities, outdoor courtyards, admissions and transfer suites, building support functions and office spaces.
The Department of Health completed staff training, and the Department of Accounting and General Services oversaw the completion of warranty and corrective work to facilitate the move-in. Work and training will continue as additional units are opened.