Resources Intended for Mental Treatment Doing Precisely That

The Times recently published a story which raised concerns regarding the use of a new facility at UCI Medical Center (“New UCI Medical Facility Sparks Debate,” Feb. 16). A well-intentioned special-interest group has charged that we are attempting to divert resources away from the treatment of the mental health needs of our population.

The facts make it clear that our intentions are exactly the opposite. We plan to utilize the building to continue the provision of the same broad spectrum of treatment for major mental illnesses as we have in the past. In addition, our services will be expanded to include new outpatient psychiatric services and services for patients with epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and other psychiatric and neurological disorders.

The current treatment methods utilized in the mental-health industry have changed markedly over the past five years. A much greater emphasis has been placed on outpatient treatment, day hospitalization, shorter lengths of stay and other techniques which reduce the overall need for inpatient facilities. However, should there be an increased need for inpatient admissions, the facility will be more than capable of handling such increases.

Neuroscience services will be added to support and complement the psychiatry program. UCI is nationally recognized for its services both in psychiatry and the neurosciences. These programs are certainly related to the research and treatment of mental health diagnoses and will form an integrated academic program for which there is precedence.

In meeting the needs of the community, UCI Medical Center has a responsibility to ensure that the services provided in the new building do not create a financial burden for the medical center. The initial intention of the legislation that provided funding for the Psychiatry Building was to provide special capital outlay funds for three of the UC hospitals to establish programs that would improve the fiscal viability of the hospitals.

As stated in the 1985-86 Legislative Budget Document, “When completed, these capital outlay projects are expected to result in cost savings or revenue increases at the three hospitals so that the special operating subsidy could decline. . . .” UCI is therefore meeting the important psychiatric, programmatic needs of the community it serves, while it simultaneously meets the expectations of the 1985-86 legislative budget.

MARY A. PICCIONE

Executive Director, UCI Medical Center

Orange