Renovated mental health unit at Baltimore VA

The VA Maryland Health Care System announced the completion of renovations of the inpatient mental health unit at Baltimore VA. The new state-of-the-art unit features expanded clinic space, safe and welcoming design features and an emphasis on recovery-focused treatment.

"This is a big win because it enhances and expands our inpatient mental health services and reconfirms our commitment to providing safe, quality and compassionate care," said Jonathan R. Eckman, director, Maryland Health Care System.

"We want our Veterans to feel welcome, secure and cared for in a safe, attractive and healing space," said Dr. Aaron Jacoby, director of the Mental Health Clinical Center. "Our Veterans tend to have more complex mental health concerns coupled with physical health and chronic pain secondary to training events or being in combat."

People living with chronic pain are at heightened risk of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and substance use disorders, in addition to sleep disturbances, increased stress and suicidal ideation.

Equipped with the latest safety and specialty design features, the unit also boasts new rooms for group therapy, music and occupational therapy, and whole heath as well as designated quiet rooms and a space for family visits.

The unit staffing currently consists of 16 nurses, five nursing assistants, two psychiatrists, two social workers, an occupational therapist, a peer specialist, a part-time music therapist and a psychologist.

"It's more than a bed expansion. It is a recovery-oriented space that reflects our recovery-focused treatment. With the new design, the beds allow us to be more flexible. We have two medicine beds, allowing us to keep patients with acute medical needs and ongoing psychiatric issues on the unit rather than sending them to another area. The medicine beds allow us to deliver IV fluids to Veterans and monitor and treat various medical needs," Eckman said. "As we consistently work to meet the needs of Veterans, this expanded and welcoming environment for patients experiencing a mental health crisis is a place where they can feel safe. The new unit also helps with patient flow. When a patient is stabilized, we can then recommend that they be transferred to our residential treatment program, outpatient care or to home."