Letter to the editor: UPMC Western Psych needs to invest in nurses to help address mental health crisis

I want to validate my co-worker Chris Hunter’s commentary about closed beds, persistent understaffing and turnover at UPMC Western Psych (“Amid growing mental health crisis, why are a third of Western Psych beds closed?” Aug. 7, TribLive). With four decades of service, I’m the most senior staff nurse in our facility. I’ve been on the front lines as Pennsylvania’s mental health emergency has progressively gotten worse.

I’ve stayed in this job out of a commitment to provide compassionate mental health care to our region’s most underserved population, many of whom have no voice to advocate for themselves. Unfortunately, few nurses stay as long as I have in mental health. Too many leave because of insufficient staff, the often dangerous nature of this work and inadequate pay. About half the staff nurses at Western Psych have worked there fewer than three years. This constant exodus has led to beds being closed on almost every unit throughout our hospital. We need adequate staff and beds to provide the specialized, effective treatment our patients deserve.

UPMC must honor and value those in our community who are struggling with mental illness. With the right resources, Western Psych nurses can make more of a difference in our patients’ lives and better address the larger mental health crisis.

Amy Kenny

Ross