Agenda - Council - 03/11/1980 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 practical or desirable. Patients who are potentially danger- ous would be only momentarily deterred by such a barrier and it would provide false security to the community. Additionally, we think it is extremely important that our state hospitals continue to be identified as treatment facilities, not prisons so that the hundreds of people who use Anoka on a voluntary basis each year will not be discouraged from seeking appropriate care. In our estimation, it is preferable to secure only cer- tain portions of the hospital. 2 o 3 o A security committee has been appointed and a position of com- pliance officer will be filled in the near future to oversee all questions of security on the hospital grounds. Weaknesses and inadequacies in the present system, both from the stand- point of staffing and policies and procedures, are being addressed by these people. Recommendations ~will be presented to the Liaison Committee on Tuesday suggesting a campus organization that will provide more accountability for insuring that each patient has an adequate treatment program and supervision. To our knowledge, monies designated for programs at Anoka State Hospital are being used appropriately for that purpose. If the Council has access to information that would indicate other- wise, we would appreciate being advised of the particulars. Policies and procedures relating to security are being reviewed and rewritten as noted above. Existing policies are being clarified, additional policies added where necessary, and service training will be provided to assure that staff members fully understand these policies. Lapses in compliance or incidents in the community are being handled through the com- pliance officer and the security committee. It is expected that these measures will significantly reduce prob- lems at Anoka relating to containment of patients. - However, the larger and more important issue is to provide highly skilled treat- ment for the complex and troublesome cases that are sent to that institution. This will require additional resources and sustained community interest and involvement. If the City of Ramsey would like to have more involvement and infor- mation about the process at Anoka, I would cordially invite you to send a representative to the Liaison Committee meetings. We welcome your suggestions. yours Arthur E. Noot Commissioner AEN:gj