Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007
Gov. Minner Releases Names of Delaware Psychiatric Center Task Force Members
Dover – Governor Ruth Ann Minner today released the names of her appointees to the nine-member task force she created by Executive Order to examine opportunities for continued improvement at the Delaware Psychiatric Center.
“This group includes community and health advocates, medical professionals and legislators,” Gov. Minner said. “This is a diverse group and each member will bring a unique set of experiences and knowledge to the table to help make recommendations on ways we can continue to improve care and treatment at the Delaware Psychiatric Center.”
The task force will be co-chaired by AARP Delaware President Rita Landgraf, also an advocate for vulnerable populations, and community representative Peter M. Ross. Other members of the task force include:
• Dr. Harold Rosen, chair, Department of Psychiatry, Christiana Care,
• Dr. Gary L. Wirt, Ed.D., vice president, Goldey-Beacom College, member of Governor’s Advisory Council on Substance Abuse and Mental Health,
• Dennis Rochford, community member, Philadelphia Maritime Association, member of the Delaware Health Care Commission and the Delaware Health Fund Advisory Committee
• Dr.Yvonne N. Stringfield, Ed.D., R.N., chair, Delaware State University, Department of Nursing,
• Ms. Kevin Ann Huckshorn, R.N., MSN, CAP, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, Washington, D.C.
• Senator Margaret Rose Henry, chair, Senate Health and Social Services Committee and
• Representative Pam Maier, chair, House Health and Social Services Committee.
Specifically, the group is tasked with making recommendations concerning:
• Hiring procedures for hospital staff, to include recommendations related to criminal background checks, drug testing and interview and orientation processes;
• Best medical practices, specifically related to restructuring current units to meet patient needs, as well as matching staff with the appropriate patient grouping;
• Professional development for direct care workers, to include a review of current training practices, suggested improvements, identification of needed resources for enhancing professional development opportunities and curricula for direct care staff;
• Identification of additional community placement options for patients; and
• Review of the hospital’s building and grounds, including proposed designs for a new facility.
The task force is due to make recommendations to the Governor no later than Dec. 15.
