Governor, Rutland Regional Medical Center mark construction of new Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit

Governor Peter Shumlin joined Rutland Regional president Tom Huebner, hospital clinicians and members of the Rutland delegation to mark the beginning of construction on the new Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit that is part of the system to replace the Vermont State Hospital (VSH). The new unit, which was authorized by Act 79 of the 2012 legislative session, will house six acute care beds at Rutland Regional and is scheduled to open in March of 2013.  

“I want to commend the governor and our partners in the legislature for working together with Rutland Regional and the mental health community in Rutland to put a plan into place that will replace the State Hospital and serve the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Huebner. “It was a very difficult process at times and I am proud to be here today marking the beginning of construction on the new psych unit.” 

The six beds at Rutland Hospital are part of the comprehensive VSH replacement plan that will provide multiple levels of mental health care in communities throughout the state. Governor Shumlin emphasized the importance of community-based care and the need for modern facilities to support the great work that is done by VSH employees and mental health professionals around the state. Senator Kevin Mullin, R-Rutland, praised the bipartisan effort in the legislature and governor’s office that was critical to the speedy authorization of the new mental health system. “It was a great bipartisan effort and legislation that was supported unanimously in the Senate,” said Mullin. Senator Mullin serves on the Senate Health and Welfare Committee as well as the Mental Health Oversight Committee and was instrumental in stewarding Act 79 through the legislative process. 

About Rutland Regional Medical Center

Established in 1896, Rutland Regional is the second largest hospital in Vermont. Their commitment to quality patient care led to Rutland Regional becoming the first hospital in Vermont to receive both the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence and Magnet Recognition® for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovation. 

Photo from Left to Right: Ron Cioffi, RAVNAH, Dr. Jeff McKee, Dr. Gordon Frankle, Commissioner Patrick Flood, Governor Peter Shumlin, Tom Huebner, State Senator Kevin Mullin, and State Representative Butch Shaw.