Some Employees Return, Trainings Conducted at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) today announced the return of 13 of the currently 28 suspended employees to work at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital.       This return of employees is another next step in MDCH’s efforts to improve the care of patients, and safety of staff at the hospital.

“In our continual efforts to improve issues at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospitals, these individuals are being brought back with patient and staff safety at the top of mind,” said Tim Becker, Senior Deputy Director of the MDCH. “We believe that by beginning to return employees to the hospital, we can improve the safety for staff and patients.”

The department has worked with the hospital and determined that although these individuals may have been involved in the issues being investigated, the quality of care being provided to patients can be ensured through appropriate training and supervision. Trainings being conducted this week will include the returning employees and consist of the nationally recognized Non-Abusive Psychological and Physical Intervention (NAPPI) methods. This step is being taken in an effort to improve training opportunities for staff.

Earlier this year, the department began taking steps to change the organizational structure at the hospital to support the safety of both patients and staff, and to ensure quality care. Last week, MDCH announced that it is contracting with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services to conduct an independent evaluation of the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. As part of these efforts, additional direct care staff has been hired and leadership continues to work with staff on education and training regarding appropriate policies and procedures.

In October, MDCH named Jansen the interim director at Kalamazoo to oversee daily operations including management, administration, human resources, and patient care. MDCH continues to work to fill the position of the permanent, fulltime director of the hospital.

Jansen took over as interim director for Cynthia Kelly who has since returned to her fulltime position as director of the Bureau of Hospitals and Administrative Operations within MDCH. Kelly had worked in both capacities, serving as interim director of the hospital and as the director of the Bureau of Hospitals and Administrative Operations from May to October, during which time the former director of the hospital was investigated and later resigned.