This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to tour the new Wellfound Behavioral Health Hospital in Tacoma. The new hospital opens in March 2019 and is a collaborative effort between Multicare and CHI Franciscan to better meet the psychiatric needs of adults 18 years and older in the community.
The tour was a self guided walking tour. Attendees were able to view the lower level including the crisis stabilization unit, patient rooms, groups rooms, and nurses stations. It was apparent that great care and detail was taken into consideration for every aspect of the hospital. It was aesthetically pleasing (for a hospital) and it was equipped with many safety features to keep patients safe to themselves and to staff.
Wellfound’s approach to treatment “emphasizes whole-person centered care that supports wellness and recovery and is respectful and inclusive of each individual’s unique values, strengths, and beliefs.”
Wellfound is providing an additional 120 patient beds which increases the number of adult inpatient beds in the community from 2.8 to 16.3 beds per 100,000 population. Additionally, the hospital is a direct receiving site for patients experiencing psychiatric emergencies. The hospital will offer a 24/7 crisis stabilization unit which will (hopefully and ideally) decrease emergency room wait times and overcrowding at the other local hospitals. The hospital will also offer a variety of outpatient programs to continue care and increase recovery.
I was impressed with the hospital and am looking forward to see how the hospital impacts the community. You can learn more about it at www.wellfoundbh.org