Home / Health / Cambridge ER Adds Third Safe Room for Mental Health Crises
Cambridge ER Adds Third Safe Room for Mental Health Crises
19 Sep
Summary
- Cambridge Memorial Hospital opened a third safe room in its emergency department.
- Mental health visits at CMH doubled last year, totaling approximately 19,000.
- The renovated safe rooms are designed to reduce self-harm risks and ensure patient safety.
Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) has expanded its capacity to support individuals experiencing mental health crises by opening a third safe room in its emergency department. This development addresses a significant increase in demand, with mental health-related visits doubling last year to approximately 19,000. The renovated safe rooms are specifically designed to mitigate risks of self-harm, featuring locked-away utilities, specialized ventilation covers, and unique door handles. Calming murals adorn the walls, creating a more therapeutic environment.
These enhanced safe rooms are staffed around the clock by a psychiatric nurse and a security officer, with peer support workers available five days a week. This dedicated staffing ensures that patients receive immediate attention and support tailored to their needs. The expansion was partly funded by a $300,000 contribution from the City of Cambridge, acknowledging the growing community need for such specialized care.
