Work and Project by Kathi Stringer

Corrective Action for Overcrowding
Riverside County Psychiatric Hospital
Emergency Treatment Services (ETS).

Problem: A significant number of psych  patients were held over the 24-hour time limit at Riverside County's Emergency Treatment Services (ETS).  In the 24-hour time limit, 1 of 3 things are suppose to happen.

  1. Admit Patient
  2. Discharge Patient
  3. Transfer Patient to a different hospital

The reason patients need to be off the emergency unit in 24 hours is because space and supplies are limited.  For example, a suicidal patient could be sleeping on the cold dirty floor.  Also, the patients are denied their civil rights and patient rights.  For example, a patient is NOT allowed visitors on ETS, or in most cases not even allowed a bed due to over crowding.  They are not allowed privacy.  Many things are denied a patient when the are involuntary held on ETS.  The patient is NOT free to leave because the door is locked.  The patient is forced to put with a loss of rights.   This Page shows you how to get Corrective Action if you need it.

Demand for Change

STEP 1
Demand Letter to State Licensing & Certification for Change (Written by Kathi Stringer)

Over crowding letter sent to the State Department of Health Services.
(Attachments included)

Also Enclosed:
Chart – ETS Stats on Yearly Admits/5150
Chart – ETS Stats on Admits/5150 w data
ITF Minutes from Year 2000
 

Demand for Change Granted

STEP 2
Response from Licensing & Certification

Keep Good Notes - Follow Up

STEP 3
STAY ON TOP OF IT - Make Notes