Courtney Says Independent Security Assessment is Needed at Oregon State Hospital

A new state hospital facility is set to open in 2011, but Senate President Peter Courtney says the state can’t wait that long for peace of mind.

Oregon State Hospital Photo by Bonnie King Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - In the wake of two escapes from the Oregon State Hospital by forensic patients this month, Senate President Peter Courtney called today for an independent review of the security measures in place at the Oregon State Hospital.

“We must make the safety of the community, as well as the patients and staff at the hospital, a top priority,” said Courtney, D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn.

“The systems we have in place now aren’t working. We need a fresh set of eyes to assess the situation and show us how we can make the Oregon State Hospital more secure.”

On July 11th, Michael Sands escaped from a locked psychiatric ward by overpowering a staff member. Five days later Mitchell Grigsby was on a supervised walk when he ran away from staff members and off the hospital grounds.

Sands was recaptured the following morning. Grigsby was returned to the hospital within minutes.

A top to bottom review of security procedures has been ordered at the hospital, but Courtney said that’s not good enough.

“Considering that two patients have escaped from the hospital in the last two weeks, I’m not sure the hospital staff is the group best equipped to conduct a review of their own security,” Courtney said.

“We need an independent third party to evaluate the best ways to protect the Salem community, the patients and staff at the hospital.”

Without divulging details of the first escape, Courtney said the Sands case reinforces the need for a new State Hospital facility. Ground-breaking for a new hospital is being planned for early September, but the new facility won’t be open until 2011. Courtney said the state can’t wait that long for peace of mind.

“Right now all we have are blueprints for a new hospital. What we need as soon as possible is the blueprint of a security plan that will protect the citizens of Salem and the dedicated men and women who work at OHS,” Courtney said.