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Denver-based regional hospital system plans new
adult psychiatric inpatient unit
HCA-HealthONE, LLC announced plans for expansion of
its regional network of care to include behavioral
health services. Construction will begin at The
Medical Center of Aurora North Campus (I-225 & 6th
Ave., 700 Potomac St., Aurora) early spring of 2012
with an anticipated open date of fall 2012.
Due to state budget cuts in recent years, mental
health services have lost millions of dollars,
making it difficult for patients to obtain
much-needed care. Public and private psychiatric
hospitals or specialized units have closed leaving
Colorado at a loss, ranking the state 50th in the
nation in terms of psychiatric beds per capita. One
out of every four Americans experiences a
diagnosable mental illness or substance abuse every
year. Mental illnesses are more common than cancer,
diabetes or heart disease and can affect
persons of any age, race, religion or income.
“Just like in other areas of medicine, we have made
great strides in the treatment of psychiatric
disorders, both in terms of better medicines with
fewer side effects, as well as more focused and
evidence-based psychological treatments,” said Dr.
George Bussey, HCA-HealthONE Chief Medical Officer.
“But also, just like diabetes and heart disease,
psychiatric disorders have their episodic flare-ups
and need for more intensive interventions and then
close follow-up. This is why we are so pleased to
be able to provide a continuum of care at our new
facility – so that we can address not only the acute
phases of illness, but also the follow-up necessary
to prevent or minimize the future need for intensive
treatment.”
HealthONE’s expansion of behavioral health care will
include a 40-bed adult psychiatric inpatient unit
when it opens. Future plans include adding an
intensive outpatient and partial outpatient
programs.
“At one point in time, Denver and Colorado were
known for their excellent mental health services
across the continuum of care. “With our new unit and
planned partnerships with community Behavioral
Health providers, we hope to once again bring
positive attention to Denver and Colorado for its
level and sophistication of mental health services,”
said Dr. Bussey.
The new HealthONE adult psychiatric inpatient unit
will complement the existing HealthONE Senior Care
Center, which provides mental health services to the
aging population. HealthONE’s parent company,
Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) operates
behavioral health care centers at 54 locations in 17
states and works with all 164 HCA hospitals and
emergency locations to support behavioral health
needs of those we serve.
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