The new 14-bed Adult Intensive Unit at the Brattleboro Retreat psychiatric hospital has officially opened.
Governor Peter Shumlin, legislators, community leaders, consumers and staff gathered Monday afternoon for a ribbon cutting to mark the privately operated Retreat's new role as part of the state mental health system.
The 14 beds are part of a new statewide system being developed to replace the former Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury, which was closed by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.
The $5.3 million project at the retreat included renovation of part of one of the hospital's buildings and construction of a secure outdoor yard.
The Retreat has had some problems recently, as was cited last month by a federal agency for several deficiencies in patient care.
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