Report Criticizes Calif. Mental Hospital

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Report Criticizes Calif. Mental Hospital

By KIM CURTIS
The Associated Press
Thursday, July 28, 2005; 8:55 PM

SAN FRANCISCO -- Patients at a state mental hospital overdosed on illegal drugs, were improperly restrained for hours on end and were forced to spend 12 hours in soiled diapers, according to a scathing report issued by the U.S. Justice Department.

The report said the problems were among "widespread and systematic deficiencies" at Napa State Hospital, including suicide and inadequate medical care. Some patients were bathed only every two to four weeks, the report said.

State officials were given until Aug. 15 to implement "minimum remedial measures" at the mental hospital, which has about 1,100 patients.

Lupe Rincon, a hospital spokeswoman, said many allegations were based on inaccurate information from family members, advocates and old surveys. But she said she could not respond to specific complaints.

"Releasing further information could compromise our negotiations for a settlement agreement" with the Justice Department, she said.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office had no response to the report, contained in a June 27 letter to him, and directed inquiries to the state Department of Mental Health.

More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/28/AR2005072801302_pf.html