Press Releases
01/01/2018
Gov. Malloy Signs Order Establishing the Whiting Forensic Hospital to Focus More Directly on Increased Quality of Care
Executive Order Separates the Whiting Forensic Division from Connecticut Valley Hospital
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has signed an executive order that separates the Whiting Forensic Division from Connecticut Valley Hospital and creates a distinct hospital, Whiting Forensic Hospital, under a new structure that will allow the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to focus more directly on the changes needed to continue to improve the quality of care at the facility.
Under the order, beds at Whiting Maximum Security will be consolidated with those at the Dutcher Enhanced Security building, creating a 229 bed forensic hospital. The new hospital will have a distinct leadership team with its own governance and policies, procedures, and personnel, and the Chief Executive Officer will report directly to the Commissioner of DMHAS.
“Having these two facilities as distinct entities governed by their own policies, procedures, and staff will ensure that we can focus more directly on the changes needed to continue to improve the quality of care at Whiting,” Governor Malloy said.
The new hospital will be structured to meet Connecticut guidelines for similarly licensed facilities. It will continue to be led by Dr. Michael Norko as DMHAS conducts a national search for a permanent CEO of the hospital.
“Creating two smaller specialized hospitals out of the larger Connecticut Valley Hospital will enhance care for the people we serve,” DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon said. “Supporting recovery in a safe caring environment will always be the department’s priority.”
The full transition is expected to be completed by the end of January.
**Download: Governor Malloy’s Executive Order No. 63
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