State has private firm investigating problems at Security Hospital in St. Peter

Employees say problems at the hospital that treats dangerous mental patients have gotten worse under an administrator who started six months ago. They describe a tense and chaotic work environment that's led several psychiatrists to quit. A state official says the hospital is close to losing its license.

Author:
BMTN Staff
Updated:
Mar 8, 2018
Original:
Feb 28, 2012

Employees say problems at the hospital that treats dangerous mental patients have gotten worse under an administrator who started six months ago. They describe a tense and chaotic work environment that's led several psychiatrists to quit. A state official says the hospital is close to losing its license.

Virginia fire department Facebook Jan 26 2022 apartment evacuation

A boiler problem caused the heating issue.

covid

Cases remain very high but hospitalizations have been plateaued for the past week.

state patrol

The trooper was in his squad when another vehicle struck.

money hundred dollar bills

When he was arrested, police found a folding knife on him.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

The 40-year-old former Wall Street trader originally wanted to be an economics professor.

Caucuses

The party is holding its precinct caucuses this Tuesday.

T Kline Robbinsdale City Council

Prosecutors say he was drunk while fleeing police on the wrong side of the highway.

Seventh Street Truck Park shooting, St. Paul

He's the second person to be charged in connection to the straw-purchasing scheme.

Pexels - face mask covid holding

The announcement comes after federal officials have updated guidelines to recommend KN95 and N95 masks.

southwest light rail metro transit construction

Met Council said last year it would open in 2023.

Aaron Rodgers

What about both Rodgers and Davante Adams teaming up in Denver?

Minneapolis Fire Department

The charity serves hundreds of meals to those in need daily.

The hospital that treats Minnesota's most dangerous mental patients is nearly devoid of experienced psychiatric staff. Half a dozen psychiatrists have quit recently -- apparently in response to the combative style of the hospital's new administrator. The state will investigate allegations of a hostile work environment.

Gov. Mark Dayton toured the hospital that treats some of the state's most dangerous mental patients. He reiterated his call for $40 million in improvements to the facility. He did not discuss claims that the administrator's combative style triggered an exodus of psychiatrists.

Officials confirm to MPR a patient at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter died this week. They aren't releasing any additional information. The death comes the same week that embattled chief David Proffitt stepped down under pressure.

Minnesota Public Radio reports that OSHA inspectors made an unannounced visit to the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter on March 13 after concerns about worker safety. The hospital -- which houses 400 adults deemed mentally ill and dangerous -- has been in turmoil for months.

A state official tells lawmakers that metal handcuffs and seclusion are being phased out at the state hospital. The hospital was fined last year for maltreatment of patients.

The Department of Human Services asked David Proffitt to step down Tuesday morning. He was hired for the job in St. Peter just seven months ago. In December, the state agency began an investigation following accusations he created a hostile work environment. Proffitt will help with the transition to new leadership.

Employee injuries at the state's largest facility for the mentally ill and dangerous, located in St. Peter, increased sharply this year, MPR reports. The number of permanent psychiatrists dropped from six to one and security practices have put counselors into closer contact with patients.

DONTCHA KNOW?

You Can Get BMTN Special Offers!

Get Our Newsletter

CLOSE

CLOSE

CLOSE

CLOSE