Article Summary –
The Montana State Hospital has faced significant challenges, including losing federal certification in 2022 due to patient safety issues and inadequate COVID-19 protocols, leading to frequent leadership turnover with the facility cycling through multiple administrators in a short period. The state health department recently announced another leadership change with the departure of interim CEO Jennifer Savage and the appointment of Dr. Kevin Flanigan as the new CEO, while also restructuring the department overseeing the hospital. Despite these ongoing difficulties, including high staff vacancy rates, the state remains focused on stabilizing the hospital and aims to reapply for federal certification by early 2024.
Six months before applying for federal certification, Montana State Hospital is once again experiencing leadership turnover at its Warm Springs facility, the state’s sole public adult psychiatric hospital. The hospital lost federal certification in 2022 due to patient falls, deaths, and poor COVID-19 protocols.
Since then, the hospital has had four administrators. An email shared with Montana Free Press revealed that interim CEO Jennifer Savage has been replaced, making her the fifth CEO in two years. Savage had also overseen Montana State Hospital and other public health institutions since January after the state ended another administrator’s contract.
The email also announced the creation of the “Health Care Facilities Practice,” a new unit to oversee the Warm Springs campus and other public institutions.
“DPHHS leadership continuously assesses and responds to the needs of our state-run health care facilities and patients,” the email stated.
Department spokesperson Jon Ebelt confirmed Savage’s departure but declined to give details. The state recently hired Dr. Kevin Flanigan from Ridgecrest Regional Hospital in California as the new CEO, starting August 12. Until then, Dr. Doug Harrington and consulting group Alvarez & Marsal will oversee operations.
Montana Free Press reported in April that Savage faced criticism from hospital staff for her clinical decisions and treatment of employees. State health department director Charlie Brereton defended her leadership, emphasizing patient safety and quality of care.
Several medical providers resigned or were fired under Savage’s tenure, citing burnout and unreasonable work requirements. Dr. Daniel Bemporad, a forensic psychiatrist, will leave on July 12 for personal reasons but may continue as a contractor. Ebelt confirmed a temporary replacement with 25 years of forensic psychiatry experience is already hired.
The state relies on contracted employees to fill key roles. Under a contract with Traditions Behavioral Health, Dr. Micah Hoffman served as the chief medical officer. Ebelt said final interviews are underway for a permanent medical director based in Warm Springs.
As of early 2024, the hospital averaged 237 patients, according to a May presentation to the governing board. The employee vacancy rate was 33%, down from 42% in 2023.
Ebelt described the leadership changes as part of efforts to stabilize the facility and achieve federal certification by December or January.
“This leadership transition is part of the significant cultural, clinical, and operational transformation following decades of neglect and inadequate oversight,” Ebelt said.
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