Bingham Memorial Hospital opens new geriatric unit
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BLACKFOOT – Bingham Memorial Hospital hosted a ribbon cutting Tuesday for their brand-new, 3,500 square foot geriatric psychiatric unit.
Mark Baker, a spokesman for Bingham Memorial Hospital, tells EastIdahoNews.com the construction of this building has been in the works for about two years after the region lost this much-needed service for seniors.
“Portneuf Medical Center closed their geriatric unit about three years ago. That was the only dedicated geriatric unit in the region,” Baker says. “When the region lost that, we knew we had to do something because we were seeing patients (who needed this service) who had to go out of state to receive care.”
New Leaf Geriatric Psychiatric Unit is staffed by 14 full-time medical professionals specially trained to treat older patients with symptoms due to psychiatric conditions and unique mental health needs, such as mood disorders, anxiety, grief and addiction. The unit is led by Christine Harris and all of the psychiatric health services are directed by BMH psychiatrist Richard Brown.
“As our baby boomer population ages, the need for geriatric behavioral health services is growing,” Harris said in a news release. “We want community members throughout eastern Idaho to understand that, with the appropriate care, the behavioral health issues of our aging population are treatable and recovery is possible.”
The geriatric unit has 10 beds and offers 24-hour nursing care, individual therapy sessions, and intensive medication management. The goal is to help patients return to a level of stability that allows them to improve their quality of life.
“We’re really excited to bring this service back to eastern Idaho,” says Baker. “As we continue to assess the specific needs of our community, we certainly could see the expansion of psychiatric services (for all ages).”
The geriatric unit is a separate wing of Bingham Memorial Hospital located on campus at 98 Poplar Street. It opened Jan. 1.