BRISTOL, Conn.—Bristol Hospital continues to address the needs of the Greater Bristol community with the construction of a new Senior Behavioral Health Unit. A special ribbon-cutting event for the new unit took place on Tuesday. The 6,150-square-foot, 15-bed inpatient unit—includes private and semi-private rooms—is built on Level F of the hospital. Bristol Hospital’s Board of Directors initiated the planning for the Senior Behavioral Health Unit in the spring of 2016 and construction began last summer.
“This new unit includes a team of behavioral health professionals who will assess, diagnose and treat adults aged 65 and older with acute psychiatric and behavioral disorders,” said Genevieve A. Henry, MD, a geriatric psychiatrist who serves as medical director of the Senior Behavioral Health Unit. “Inpatient care of this population will be provided on a 24/7 basis in a safe, comfortable and secure environment.”
Dr. Henry—who joined the medical staff of the Bristol Hospital Multi-Specialty Group in January—leads a team of nurses, psychiatric advanced practice registered nurses, social workers and therapists who specialize in the care of geriatric patients with behavioral health issues.
“This unit was born out of our community health needs assessment which showed that behavioral health, senior care and access to these services is a priority with Bristol residents,” said Dr. Henry “There are a limited number of units like this in Connecticut that are equipped to provide medical and mental health services in a well-integrated, patient-centered setting.”
Dr. Henry said the new Senior Behavioral Health Unit will treat patients suffering from such conditions as dementia with behavioral disturbance, depression, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. The team also will address medications, dietary needs, family issues, and social concerns. Patient rooms of the secured unit are specifically designed to meet the needs of patients. This includes furniture and artwork that is permanently secured, windows that provide natural light in each room, and bathrooms designed to keep patients safe. When not engaged in treatment programs, common areas include televisions, as well as multiple activities for patient enjoyment.