This looks like a debacle waiting to happen. It appears that the planning that should have gone into merging the two hospitals has not happened. (In my view, the last year should have been spent preparing for this month - developing a firm timeline of all the tasks that would need to be accomplished by Day One. There is little, if any evidence this has happened effectively.)
It appears that there will be serious staff shortages on Day One, suggesting that one-quarter of the beds cannot be safely opened.
It appears that the projected savings from running one hospital instead of two will be negated, as beds will be operating in not two, but three sites.
It appears that serious design flaws persist, including serious risks of patient death and escape.
It appears that the work of merging two hospital staffs, which at least involves reaching out to the staff of both hospitals, has not occurred.
I am sure there are more elements that will come to light in the days to come.
If the hospital opens as planned, there will be bad patient events. Is the Easley Administration ready for the firestorm that will come with, God forbid, the first patient or staff serious injury, or, God forbid, the first avoidable death?
At the very least, CMS, which is certainly monitoring the media activity, will come and visit; the odds are that CMS will not be amused and that CMS will send NC a letter alleging "immediate jeopardy" to patient safety.
The NC Psychiatric Association is opposing "moving to a new hospital until its building and staffing are sufficient to ensure a safe treatment environment for patients and staff." I am sure NCPA is not the only source of such opposition.
If the above is true, in my view, it is essential that the opening of the new hospital be delayed until it can be opened safely and that the Central Regional Hospital leadership, which is responsible for this, be replaced by competent leaders.
