List date(s) this work was published or aired.
11-Jul-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The shutdown of a geriatric mental health unit in a local hospital could have been a 10-inch inside story, but instead this reporter took a look at the impact of the closure on the last patient on the unit, the big-picture trends that led to the shutdown, and the paucity of care for mental health patients, especially older, low-income ones. The insight of the psychiatrist who worked on the unit gave an inside view of a population that is rarely seen by the public as we followed his clientele from hospital to assisted living units.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Hospital information about Medicaid/Medicare reimbursements. Assisted living unit documents available through Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Explain types of human sources used.
A psychiatrist on the closed unit introduced the reporter to an assisted living facility owner who was taking in Medicaid clients. They could not afford to go anywhere else and a day spent with the psychiatrist there gave insight as to the problems this population has and the few resources available.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Make the extra effort to seek out professionals who know the trends that are leading to a unit shutting down. Also, look for patients who are impacted by these decisions. Don’t settle for the hospital press release.