New Forensic Facility In The Works At Norristown State Hospital

Norristown PA

06 April, 2022

6:58 PM

Description

NORRISTOWN —A plan to construct a new 420-bed forensic hospital to meet the growing demand for psychiatric beds in southeastern Pennsylvania is underway. The state departments of Human Services and General Services on Wednesday solicited proposals from design professionals to construct a new facility to replace two buildings on grounds of the hospital off Sterigere St. A total of $242 million is allocated for the construction project. The forensic facility will provide care to individuals involved with county judicial or corrections systems who need psychiatric evaluations or ongoing treatment. "Pennsylvanians served through Norristown's forensic unit deserve timely, quality care in a compassionate, recovery-focused environment," said Meg Snead, acting secretary of Human Services. "We are excited to work with our local and state partners to create a safe, trauma-informed, recovery-centered facility." According to a statement provided Wednesday by the state Department of Human Services: Since 2017, the department has worked closely with the Norristown community and municipal officials to determine the future of the property after the closure of the hospital's civil unit. Previously, bed availability in the forensic unit was not sufficient to meet local needs. As a result, the state entered into a settlement agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union to expand the forensic unit to reduce wait times. To meet the needs of counties working with Norristown State Hospital, the stage agencies are committed to building a facility designed to enhance the safety of patients and staff, while providing a high quality of care for decades to come The state plans to share plans with the surrounding communities and solicit their feedback as the project moves forward.