Hospital

State Senator To Propose More Security in Psychiatric Wards

Paige Browning — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:26:46 +0000

One Washington state senator says it is past time for lawmakers to increase safety at the state’s two psychiatric hospitals. Paige Browning reports Senator Mike Carrell announced he will propose legislation in the coming term.

Phone And Video Could Save Medical Interpreter Costs In Wash.

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:04:05 +0000

It happens more than 200,000 times a year in doctor’s offices throughout Washington. An interpreter is called in to help bridge a language barrier between the physician and patient. Soon though, that interpreter may join the appointment by phone or even video. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins explains.

Western State Hospital CEO Resigns

John Ryan — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:29:45 +0000

The head of Washington's largest psychiatric hospital is stepping down. Western State Hospital CEO Jess Jamieson announced his resignation to hospital staff Tuesday. The announcement came as the Tacoma-area hospital deals with the aftermath of two patients' violent deaths in April. KUOW's John Ryan has the story.

Violence On The Rise At Western State Hospital

John Ryan — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:46:04 +0000

Three employees at Western State Hospital near Tacoma were attacked by a patient Wednesday morning. Officials say the three were taken to the emergency room but could not provide more details.

Western State Hospital is Washington's most violent workplace. 335 assaults were reported there in the past 12 months. That’s a slight increase from the year before but lower than prior years.

One nurse at Western told John Ryan what it's like to become a statistic.

State Hospital Prepares To Open Final Wing

Chris Lehman — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:06:27 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Hospital is just weeks away from opening the final wing on its newly updated Salem facility. But many of the beds will remain empty because of budget cuts pending in the Oregon legislature. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Washington Senate Toughens Treatment of Violence in Mental Hospitals

John Ryan — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:05:58 +0000

SEATTLE, Wash. -- A bill aimed at improving the safety of workers in mental hospitals passed the Washington state senate on Monday. KUOW's John Ryan reports from Seattle.