Derry, NH (October 18, 2017) – To help meet community needs and manage prolonged wait times for some of the most vulnerable and acute patients in the state of New Hampshire, Parkland Medical Center has added four additional adult voluntary inpatient beds to its existing Behavioral Health Unit - increasing its total bed capacity from 14 to 18 beds.
“Parkland Medical Center is committed to providing critical access to individuals needing inpatient and outpatient mental health care,” said Jeff Scionti, Parkland Medical Center CEO. “Given the current crisis in New Hampshire and the need for additional beds in the State, we felt compelled to expand access to life-saving treatments and help alleviate Emergency Room wait times that occur throughout the State. Too often patients wait in emergency rooms for a bed to become available and adding these beds will provide flexibility for bed placement so that patients can begin receiving treatment more quickly.”
Since Parkland Medical Center opened its Behavioral Health Unit in 2015, the hospital has seen over 1,500 patients. In addition to providing inpatient Behavioral Health services, Parkland Medical Center opened a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in October of 2016 to help decompress the Emergency Room and seamlessly transition adult patients who meet specific criteria from an inpatient to an outpatient setting. In the PHP, adult patients are taught new strategies for coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health symptoms.
“Getting patients the appropriate treatment they need in an urgent timeframe is critical,” said Justin Looser, NH Market Director of Behavioral Health Services. “With the four additional adult voluntary inpatient beds and expansion of Parkland’s PHP, we are able to provide patients access to critical services in our community, while ensuring they receive treatment in a safe, comforting, and supportive environment.”
Individuals in need of mental health support or providers looking to refer patients for care can contact Parkland Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Unit 24/7, at (603) 433-5270 or for more information, visit our behavioral health page.