An area hospital has cut back on its psychiatric services.
Conemaugh Memorial says it’s temporarily suspended admissions to inpatient psychiatric unit for children and adolescents. The Johnstown hospital is also reducing admissions to its geriatric and adult psychiatric units.
Conemaugh says despite aggressive efforts to hire physicians and get temporary help, it faces a staffing shortage in its behavioral health program,
Patients who come to the emergency department with behavioral issues will be screened, and they’ll be transferred to another facility if they need inpatient care.
The hospital intends to resume normal admissions to all psychiatric units, once adequate medical staff has been hired.
