Oregon State Hospital has temporarily suspended in-person visits with friends and family following the tragic death of a patient due to a suspected fentanyl overdose. The incident has prompted an investigation by the Oregon State Police, and the hospital is now reviewing its visitation policies.
According to authorities, a patient at the state-run psychiatric hospital in Salem died on Friday from a suspected fentanyl overdose. The Oregon State Police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. While details are limited at this time, a spokesperson for the police agency confirmed the ongoing investigation.
In response to the incident, the Oregon State Hospital sent a memo to its staff on Friday, announcing the temporary halt of in-person patient visits with friends and family. This measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the hospital’s more than 600 patients.
This unfortunate event adds to a series of incidents that have drawn attention to the Oregon State Hospital from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The hospital has faced scrutiny, with a recent federal report pointing out various issues, including security camera blind spots, inadequate patient monitoring, and the distribution of condoms to patients despite restrictions on sexual activity. The hospital has taken steps to address these concerns, including reorganizing the storage of emergency life-saving equipment following a patient death shortly after admission.
The decision to suspend in-person visits comes after patients and their families had recently regained the freedom to have such visits, as pandemic-era restrictions were lifted in 2023.
The incident also highlights the larger issue of the overdose crisis fueled by the easy availability of fentanyl in Oregon. The state has witnessed a surge in overdoses, with individuals consuming this potent drug in public settings. In response, the Oregon Legislature has recently re-criminalized the possession of illegal drugs. Governor Tina Kotek signed a new law that will lead to the implementation of programs statewide to encourage individuals to seek treatment and avoid court charges for drug possession.
