AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is requesting money to hire more than two dozen new workers at Riverview Psychiatric Center to help deal with what some call dangerous conditions.
Agency Commissioner Mary Mayhew appeared Wednesday before the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee to discuss the 92-bed, state-run psychiatric hospital. Some patients are in the criminal justice system while some are civilly committed.
The Portland Press Heraldreports that the administration is requesting $2.7 million to hire additional staff, improve security and enhance training.
Staff who appeared before the committee described dangerous working conditions, and a "constant threat of violence.'' There are currently more than a dozen workers out because of assaults or violent patient behavior.
Workers say there is too much mandatory overtime and high staff turnover.
