Credit Thomas Fearon
With the number of children and adults in need of psychiatric care being held in emergency rooms reaching historic numbers, the state announced Thursday it will temporarily transition ten beds at New Hampshire Hospital to care for children.
The state has long struggled with a shortage of inpatient and community-based treatment options for people with mental health crises. In recent days, the number of children being held inside emergency rooms waiting to be transferred to a more appropriate facility has grown to 50.
New Hampshire Hospital, which has been caring for adults, will immediately turn a ten-bed unit into a wing for children, Lori Shibinette, commissioner for DHHS, announced Thursday.