Patients Escapes at All-Time High at Michigan Behavioral Hospital

The hospital has had 14 different patient escapes since 2020.

By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor


A children’s psychiatric hospital in Michigan has experienced an increase in patient escapes over the last month, 7 ABC Detroit reports. 

In January, five patients have escaped from Hawthorn Center. According to 7 ABC Detroit, some of the patients are now facing possible criminal charges as a result of their actions when they left the hospital.  

There have been 14 different patient escapes since 2020, with patients missing of upwards of one hour or more. On multiple occasions, K-9 units were discharged to help aid in the search of patients that have disappeared. According to 7 ABC Detroit, there have been almost a dozen of 911 calls over the last two years that requested law enforcement’s help in locating patients.  

A lack of staff contributed to these recent escapes. There are currently 91 vacant positions at the hospital. Employees reportedly say that every day at the hospital is a struggle due to the overwhelming workload.  

“[We]review all incidents at our state hospitals to determine if changes in procedures are needed,” the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement to 7 ABC Detroit. “In all cases of elopement from Hawthorn Center this year, youth were immediately followed by staff. In all cases, youth were returned to the facility the same day and in two cases youth were returned to the center within minutes of leaving.” 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.  



February 28, 2023


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

ISSA Introduces Healthcare Platform to Advance Safer, Cleaner Patient Environments

This new resource integrates training, research and cross-sector collaboration to raise care standards and improve patient outcomes.


Third-Party Tracking Settlement is a Compliance Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Facilities Managers

Mount Sinai Health System agrees to a $5.3 million settlement to resolve claims it improperly shared patient data with Facebook through tracking tools.


ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Facility

The new facility features 144 beds and a healing environment for behavioral health patients.


Aspire Rural Health System Reports Data Security Incident

Upon detecting the unauthorized activity, Aspire immediately worked to contain the incident and launched a thorough investigation.


Fatal Flaws: Strategies for Active Attackers

Anything that goes wrong with the response is the liability exposure of the organization — not the employee and not the police.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.