Evelyn GeorgeATLANTA, Ga. – In a groundbreaking move, Georgia is set to open its first-ever “med-psych” facility at Grady Memorial Hospital, marking a significant stride in the provision of comprehensive healthcare. The 16-bed unit, scheduled to admit its first patients on October 23, 2023, represents a crucial step in addressing the intersecting challenges of mental health and physical well-being.
Dr. Gray Norquist, Chief of Behavioral Services at Grady Memorial Hospital, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The fact that Georgia is actually making this step is really good for Georgia as a whole, as well as a model for other places.”
The med-psych facility is designed to provide specialized care for patients dealing with a wide range of issues, including recovery from overdoses, suicide attempts, chronic illnesses, and the mental health impacts associated with these conditions. Dr. Norquist emphasized the facility’s diagnostic capabilities, highlighting its capacity to determine the underlying causes of patients’ symptoms.
This multidisciplinary approach to healthcare aims to treat the whole person, recognizing that physical and mental health are intertwined.
The state of Georgia allocated $6.3 million in the governor’s budget to cover both construction and operational costs for this pioneering facility. Kevin Tanner, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), expressed his support during a recent tour of the facility, stating, “Our agency is proud to partner with Grady to create the state’s first med-psych facility.” This investment underscores the state’s commitment to addressing the complex healthcare needs of its residents.
One of the primary advantages of the med-psych unit is its ability to provide simultaneous care for individuals facing behavioral health crises and co-occurring physical conditions. A DBHDD spokesperson noted that this integrated approach allows patients to receive comprehensive care for both their mental health and physical well-being. This represents a significant departure from traditional healthcare models, which often treat these issues in isolation.
The facility includes two group meeting rooms that will host therapy, education, and peer support services. Dr. Norquist emphasized the importance of a team approach, recognizing that addressing complex healthcare needs requires collaboration among healthcare professionals.
The multidisciplinary team at the med-psych unit includes four physicians who are board-certified in both internal medicine and psychiatry. This ensures that patients receive well-rounded care that takes into account both their medical and psychological needs.
According to Dr. Norquist, fewer than 3% of hospitals in the United States have a “med-psych unit.” In contrast, the Netherlands boasts such facilities in 44% of its hospitals.
Anne Hernandez, Vice President of Behavioral Health at Grady, acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “It’s exciting and scary, I have to say. The scary part is whether or not we’ll have enough capacity to serve all the needs.” However, the facility’s commitment to excellence in patient care and its plans to accept transfers from hospitals across Georgia suggest that it is poised to meet the rising demand for comprehensive healthcare services.
Each room in the med-psych unit is meticulously designed to ensure the safety of patients battling mental illness, minimizing the risk of self-harm. This thoughtful approach reflects the facility’s dedication to providing a secure and supportive environment for individuals in need.
With state support and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, the facility is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals in Georgia and serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country.
