Review of the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital

The state of Michigan is hiring a mental health agency to conduct an independent review of the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, which is under scrutiny over patient safety. The state Community Health Department said Monday that Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services will do an evaluation focusing on inpatient care and the hospital’s organizational structure and staff. The review is expected run through January. The state hospital provides adult inpatient psychiatric services. Its longtime director resigned in June after the state said he failed to report the March death of a 68-year-old patient. James Coleman denies the allegation. Separately, the hospital has suspended 28 workers with pay as it investigates another incident involving a patient. The state will pay Grand Rapids-based Pine Rest $46,700 to conduct the outside review.  (AP)