Massachusetts: The transfer of state hospital resources to community programs

Gardner (Mass). State Hospital began transferring its resources to two community programs two years ago. During the transfer administrative problems increased and become more difficult to resolve, hospital staff and community members became fearful that the hospital would be phased out, and the possibility of a budget cut was a constant threat. When the hospital census was reduced to 225 patients who could not enter community programs, the commissioner of mental health appointed a commission to make recommendations about the hospital's future role. Five options open to the commission, and its recommendations, are discussed.