The OHA asked for help as the hospital in Salem deals with major staffing shortages. The number of staff out on COVID-related leave has increased in recent months.
SALEM, Ore. Significant staffing shortages at the Oregon State Hospital prompted health officials to call for the National Guard’s assistance at the psychiatric facility this week.
Oregon Public Broadcasting reports the state’s health authority, which oversees the hospital, requested 30 nurses from the National Guard. The hospital treats some of the state’s most vulnerable: those found guilty except for insanity, civil commitment patients, and those ordered to the hospital by a judge.