W.Va. hospital workers to protest overcrowding

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.wvva.com/Global/story.asp?S=8689492

Associated Press - July 17, 2008 6:45 AM ET

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) - Workers at 1 of West Virginia's two acute care psychiatric hospitals are planning to protest conditions highlighted by a recent government report.

Members of the West Virginia Public Workers Union say they will rally outside Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital in Huntington on Friday.

The workers say they want to draw attention to conditions at the hospital. A report released this month by the state Office of the Ombudsman for Behavioral Health said the hospital is routinely overcrowded.

The report described three patients staying in single rooms, often with no bathrooms. It also reported low morale among employees and tension between patients and workers.

Jerry Watson, union shop steward at the hospital, said the state should increase pay for workers to boost morale and attract more employees.

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