UMass Memorial Health-Harrington, in Southbridge, has launched a behavioral health emergency service pod designed to provide a calmer environment for patients seeking emergency behavioral health services, the healthcare provider announced Monday.
“Patients presenting with depression and anxiety have tripled since the beginning of the pandemic,” Ed Moore, president of UMass Memorial Health-Harrington, said in the announcement. “According to the Department of Mental Health, emergency room boardings have increased by 200% to 400% in the state of Massachusetts since June of 2020.”
The new pod includes four beds, a nursing station, a full bathroom and a shower, according to the announcement.
The addition will allow existing emergency department rooms to be used more efficiently, according to Harrington.
