An example of a state hospital that is still serving North Carolina residents who are mentally ill today is the Broughton Hospital. Broughton Hospital is a state hospital run by the state of North Carolina. Broughton Hospital is one of three regional psychiatric hospitals that operate as a part of the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities (DSOHF) within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. They support North Carolinian residents and their families who are experiencing mental illness. The hospital serves the western 37 counties of North Carolina, which is approximately 35% of the total population. Prior to a patient being admitted, the hospital needs verbal contact and documentation with the patient that provides
…show more content…
In 1875, the State provided $75,000 for the establishment of the psychiatric hospital. Opened on March 29, 1883, the asylum admitted physician Dr. Red Pepper as its first patient. By 1884 its first director, Dr. Patrick Livingston Murphy, reported to the General Assembly that more space was needed. In 1885 and 1886 two new wings were opened, expanding the hospital's bed space to over 500 patients. While admitted, patients were used to construct roads on the property, and establish and maintain the gardens and grounds. During the early 1900s the hospital expanded greatly. Using the colony system, a farm area was established with a dairy, vineyard and greenhouses, all staffed by patients of varying degrees of functionality. The hospital was nearly self-sufficient. After World War I, when public attitudes about mental health patients changed dramatically, the hospital was neglected and suffered during the state and national financial problems of the Great Depression. In 1959, State Hospital at Morganton became Broughton Hospital, named after the World War II Governor J. Melville Broughton. The 1960s brought many changes to Broughton: educational programs were established, religious services were incorporated, and the hospital continued to expand (including through affiliated local community health centers). This was part of an effort to de-institutionalize the mentally ill and treat more in local settings. On March 28, 1973, Broughton Hospital received its first survey by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and the hospital received a one-year accreditation. Today, with a $98 million annual operating budget, Broughton serves approximately 800 patients per year and employs approximately 1200 staff
In 1875, the State provided $75,000 for the establishment of the psychiatric hospital. Opened on March 29, 1883, the asylum admitted physician Dr. Red Pepper as its first patient. By 1884 its first director, Dr. Patrick Livingston Murphy, reported to the General Assembly that more space was needed. In 1885 and 1886 two new wings were opened, expanding the hospital's bed space to over 500 patients. While admitted, patients were used to construct roads on the property, and establish and maintain the gardens and grounds. During the early 1900s the hospital expanded greatly. Using the colony system, a farm area was established with a dairy, vineyard and greenhouses, all staffed by patients of varying degrees of functionality. The hospital was nearly self-sufficient. After World War I, when public attitudes about mental health patients changed dramatically, the hospital was neglected and suffered during the state and national financial problems of the Great Depression. In 1959, State Hospital at Morganton became Broughton Hospital, named after the World War II Governor J. Melville Broughton. The 1960s brought many changes to Broughton: educational programs were established, religious services were incorporated, and the hospital continued to expand (including through affiliated local community health centers). This was part of an effort to de-institutionalize the mentally ill and treat more in local settings. On March 28, 1973, Broughton Hospital received its first survey by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and the hospital received a one-year accreditation. Today, with a $98 million annual operating budget, Broughton serves approximately 800 patients per year and employs approximately 1200 staff