New York to close Four Wind Psych Hospital - cited as 'incapable of fixing a litany of problems'

State regulators will close Four Winds hospital in Syracuse, NY because they say the psychiatric facility is incapable of fixing a litany of problems, including filthy conditions, lack of supervision and use of dangerous patient restraint practices.

In a letter sent to Four Winds on Monday, the state Office of Mental Health said it will revoke the hospital's operating certificate unless it agrees to voluntarily surrender the certificate.

The state's action stems from an inspection it conducted last month that turned up serious, widespread deficiencies at the 107-bed private hospital at 650 S. Salina St. The state ordered Four Winds to shut off admissions March 26 following that inspection. Those problems were similar to deficiencies inspectors discovered at the facility two years ago.

In the letter, James B. McQuide of the state Office of Mental Health wrote, ". . . it is clear that the corrective action implemented two years ago at Four Winds/Syracuse was neither sustained nor effective."

McQuide said his agency is not confident a plan of correction submitted by Four Winds would lead to permanent improvements. He also said the agency doesn't believe the hospital can ensure basic patient rights.

As reported in The Post Standard