Lake Mead Hospital closing psych unit

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004 | 11:13 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Lake Mead Hospital Medical Center is closing its 22-bed adult psychiatric care unit, and that doesn't sit well with the head of the state's mental health division.

Craig Preston, chief executive officer of the hospital in North Las Vegas, sent out notices Feb. 3 saying the shutdown will not have a significant impact on the overall level of adult psychiatric services available in Clark County.

But Carlos Brandenburg, administrator of the state Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services, said today the loss of 22 beds will worsen the mental health care crisis in Southern Nevada.

The hospital is no longer accepting patients for the psychiatric ward and will close the unit in about 30 days. Patients requiring treatment will be transferred to other facilities.

"This decision is based on a long-term strategic plan for the hospital to focus on vital acute-care services," Preston said.

Preston said it was difficult to close a hospital service but it won't have a major impact in Southern Nevada.

But Brandenburg said that the closure of 22 beds "will have a major negative impact on psychiatric services available in Clark County."

The state is planning a 150-bed new mental health hospital but that won't be completed for at least 18 months. And it faces strong opposition from residents surrounding the proposed site. They are asking city officials to deny a permit for the hospital.

Brandenburg, in a letter to Preston, said the Lake Mead Hospital has the only psychiatric unit in a general hospital that can accept and be reimbursed for Medicaid patients. The closure "will further burden the state's resources which are currently incapable of meeting the community need," he said today.

Preston could not be reached for comments on the statements of Brandenburg.

Brandenburg said at any time there are 70 patients in hospital emergency rooms waiting for mental health services.