15 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The prisoners’ entrance door is rusting.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F1. The building exterior paint is peeling. Response to
R1
The prisoners’ entrance door should be repaired and painted.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R1: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in future. General Services Department will paint the structure by May 2004.
F2
The prisoners’ entrance wooden door frame is deteriorating.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
F2: The respondent disagrees partially with the finding. The respondent agrees that the observable condition of the parking lot indicates the need for repair and resurfacing. The respondent disagrees with the finding in that all parking lots pose some potential for liability under any conditions.
R2
The prisoners’ entrance door frame should be repaired.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R2: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. General Services Department has scheduled the parking lot for repair and resurfacing with completion in late summer, 2003.
F3
The downspouts at rear of the building are not connected to the drainage field pipes. 148
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F3. The parking lot directional markings go against the parking lot traffic flow and are severely faded. Response to
R3
The downspouts at rear of the building should be reconnected to the drainage field pipes.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R3: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. Directional arrows will be aligned to show proper traffic flow on completion of the parking lot repair and resurfacing in late summer, 2003.
F4
The rain gutters are full of leaves and pine needles.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
F4: The respondent disagrees partially with the finding. The full use of the Psychiatric Health Facility for its intended functions is not impaired by conditions of the parking lot. The respondent agrees that the parking lot at its present size and configuration does not provide at all times enough space for employees and the public who may seek access to the building.
R4
The rain gutters should be cleaned.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R4: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. Mental Health Department plans to issue a request to General Services Maintenance Division by July 31, 2003, for alternatives to the standard wall corners of this support column. Padding is not recommended as the first choice, in that acute psychiatric patients tend to shred soft padding and sometimes even consume the material. The two Departments will discuss and determine appropriate measures to be taken that consider issues of liability, patient safety, feasibility of installation, and cost. Completi...
F5
The HVAC vents/registers are dirty.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F5. The laundry room is dirty and cluttered. Response to
R5
The HVAC vents/registers should be periodically cleaned.
Response: Requires Analysis
Score: 0
R5: The recommendation requires further analysis. The observation area must remain a secure area and any objects within that area must not be available for use as a weapon against another patient, the staff, or used by a suicidal patient to injure themselves. The existing rubber furniture currently used for sitting cannot be lifted or thrown by one, or even two, large adults. The alternative of stationary furniture, such as a table bolted to the floor, creates other unacceptable hazards in this secure area. The Department will research options to determine if there is a table that can be provi...
F6
The courtroom ceiling tiles are water stained.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
F6: The respondent disagrees partially with the finding. The corners of the support column are typical of standard construction and finishing surfaces.
R6
The source of the water staining the ceiling tiles of the courtroom should be investigated and repairs should be made.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
R6: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Cameras in the seclusion rooms have been recently upgraded. The entire area is not intended to be viewed on camera in the nursing station in order to allow privacy for the psychiatric patients when using the toilets in these locked rooms. Safety of patients in seclusion is provided by required fifteen-minute checks through windows in the doors of the room or by staff entering the room, if needed.
F7
The courtroom and office area walls have cracks.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
F7: The respondent disagrees wholly with the finding. The finding does not define what is inadequate about the surveillance system. The cameras in the two seclusion (observation) rooms were recently upgraded and purposefully allow for the privacy of patients when using the toilet. 187
R7
The cracks in the courtroom and office area walls should be repaired.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
r 7, 2002; • Toured the facility with the Nursing Supervisor; • Were briefed on the Psychiatric Health Facility operations; • Interviewed Discharge Planner; • Inspected the building and grounds; • Reviewed previous Grand Jury reports for year’s 1999/2000, 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 and found no findings or recommendations pertaining to this building. Background The building, originally constructed in the 1960’s, has been used as the Psychiatric Health Facility since the early 1980s. It has the capacity fo
F8
The drinking fountain fascia plate is improperly attached.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
F8: The respondent agrees with the finding. The water fountain was inoperative at the time of the Grand Jury visit to the facility. Normally the water fountain is maintained in full operation with a good stream of water. Recommendations
