RELEASE: April 3, 2000

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I recognize that all I have just said and all of the good work of my department may be overshadowed by concerns that have recently been expressed about problems at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital -- concerns that, I can assure you, I take very, very seriously.

It is clear that the Greystone facility continues to have significant structural and design deficiencies. Moreover, the patient population has failed to decrease as expected, straining staffing resources and limiting programming options.

We do have some specific actions already underway that, I am convinced, will significantly improve conditions at the hospital.

First, reducing the census:

.With the July completion of 50 new beds at the Ann Klein Forensic Center in Trenton, and the ongoing transfer of sexually violent predators to a correctional facility, the census will be reduced by about 45.

These measures will enable us to reduce the population by more than 100 patients.

On the issue of the physical plant:

. Already dedicated to the department capital budget is more than $4 million for repairs at Greystone, including $800,000 to build new bathrooms in the Abell Building.

. Further, we intend to construct, through new and renovated space, a hospital at Greystone to replace the existing one. The Abell Building and the Central Avenue Complex -- the two cited for poor conditions in the recent Doe v. Klein report -- would be closed permanently. We are now talking with the Department of Treasury to finalize financing for this significant capital undertaking.

I am confident these plans will address the interconnected census,physical plant, staffing and programming issues.

But these solutions could take some time and we cannot wait. Some immediate actions are necessary to ensure the well being of our clients.

Accordingly:

. We will rent two large modular units to create additional space for programming such as rehabilitation and education.

. We will hire an additional 41 staff at the hospital. This will allow us to increase programs and other activities; enhance patient care and supervision; and improve housekeeping and maintenance in the Abell and Central Ave Complex buildings.

Many aspects of care and treatment at Greystone have improved in recent years -- this has been noted by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals Organization and even the Doe v. Klein monitoring committee.

I am confident that both the short- and long-term census reduction plans, as well as the physical plant, staffing and programming improvements,will lead to a better therapeutic environment for our Greystone patients. You have my commitment to that end.